The province of Alicante, according to various indications, one of the most emitted light pollution in Spainthe country on the other hand at the head in the light wastage rankings in Europe together with Italy and Portugal.

According to a study by the Complutense University of MadridAlicante was broadcast in 2007, according to images taken by satellite, light pollution is similar to Barcelona, ​​although it has three times less population.

Decision of the Government of Spain on energy saving -which forced relative blackouts- has generated criticism in one sector of the population and, in turn, has become a ‘golden’ opportunity for others, who consider that “the time has come”.

This is the case state-level association of Cel Fosc (‘dark sky’ in Catalan), active since 1996, the year they began to reproach causes and consequences of excessive light pollution. Victoriano Canales is one of its representatives in the province of Alicante.

As soon as the conversation begins, remember a fact that doesn’t usually come to light. “This restriction has been in effect for 14 yearsbut the government has not implemented it until now and the people are not interested either.”

This refers to 2008 decision (Royal Decree 1890/2008, November 14, approving the Regulation of energy efficiency in outdoor lighting installations) which indicates that reduced lighting schedule should be established for: street lighting, special lighting, decorative lighting, sign lighting and illumination billboards.

On the other hand, can austerity measures raise security concerns? “It’s a belief part of citizenship, getting used to everything being turned on at night,” Canales said.

“From our organization, where we only advise ourselves with scientific and technical studies, we know that implementing these measures does not mean a reduction in security“, they responded via a statement on Cel Fosc.

“If there is a certain road that is not safe, with poor lighting they will stay just as insecurejust as if they gave more light”, stressed Victoriano Canales.

From Cel Fosc they recall that in some places in Spain where a policy of reducing public lighting has been followed, such as Madrid and Malaga, insecurity has not increased.

For example, in France, over the past few years, some 13,000 cities and towns have turned off some or all of their street lights to save money and see the stars from 12 midnight. no security incident. Many British cities have also been shut down, they recall.

Other advantages

Canales asserts that, if light pollution is reduced, “there will be a huge positive impact on public health”. I amMeasurement would mean “a relief to many other citizens, as many scientific studies show”.

“This will contribute to Don’t disturb the circadian sleep cycle“, defending the Canales. Especially the prolonged exposure to white light, which is in many cities; “is the most dangerous and one that causes more disease,” he added.

The positive impact of reducing excess light will also be felt by nocturnal flora and fauna“currently undergoing a mild invasion affecting mobility, feeding, reproduction and pollination among other aspects”.

See the stars

“The less lighting, the more we will get in the visualization of the sky, we will get a depth of field, but up to a certain point”, believes the person who has also been a representative at Spain of Astronomers without Borders and author of the discovery of 38 exoplanets and from 1,030 asteroids together with other volunteers.

“But until Spain does not comply 100% with this decision, we will not know to what extent the sky can be observed more clearly, because it is an unprecedented act,” he admits, “though it will be clear that it will look much more distant. good from now on.”

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