Understanding Light Pollution

What is the main purpose of this passage?

• To explain the benefits of modern lighting.

• To highlight the problem of light pollution and offer solutions to reduce it.

• To provide a historical overview of how ancient civilizations used the night sky.

• To describe the work of the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).

According to the passage, how did the Maya civilization use the stars?

• To guide their ocean voyages.

• To name constellations and create stories.

• To predict seasonal changes for agricultural planning.

• To navigate the Underground Railroad.

Which direct quote from the text explains the impact of light pollution on humans and animals?

• This artificial brightening of the sky masks the stars, obscuring the wonder of the night sky.

• Not only does it conceal the wonders of the night sky, but it also disrupts our natural sleep patterns, causing greater risk of cancer and heart disease.

• Outdoor artificial lights can be shielded, or covered, so that the light shines down to the ground only where it’s needed.

• Ancient peoples named the constellations, spinning stories about them to pass along their societies’ values and cultural traditions.

Which of the following quotes supports the idea that light pollution is a modern issue?

• "Views of the Milky Way—the hazy, thick band of stars that is our home galaxy—are particularly rare."

• "Nearly everyone alive could look up from wherever they stood and see countless stars filling the dark night sky."

• "The IDA has certified over 130 International Dark-Sky Places (IDSPs)."

• "The first priority is to stop wasting light."

What is one effect of light pollution on animals?

• It allows them to migrate more efficiently.

• It disrupts their natural behaviors, such as migration and hunting.

• It helps them reproduce in well-lit areas.

• It prevents them from relying on weather patterns for navigation.

What is one cause of light pollution mentioned in the passage?

• Natural weather conditions that obscure the stars.

• Excessive artificial light from sources like streetlights and billboards.

• The use of the North Star for navigation.

• The development of the Milky Way.

Which of the following statements is correct based on the passage? (Underline the correct one.) a. Light pollution is caused only by streetlights in urban areas. b. The IDA works with communities and governments to reduce light pollution. c. The Maya civilization used light pollution to improve agricultural practices. d. Ancient civilizations had no interest in studying the stars.

• Light pollution is caused only by streetlights in urban areas.

• The IDA works with communities and governments to reduce light pollution.

• The Maya civilization used light pollution to improve agricultural practices.

• Ancient civilizations had no interest in studying the stars.

Which of the following actions can reduce light pollution? (Underline the correct one.)

• Use bright white lights for all outdoor lighting.

• Use light bulbs that emit warm-colored light.

• Keep outdoor lights on all night, even when not needed.

• Avoid shielding outdoor lights to save energy.

What is the meaning of the word skyglow as used in paragraph 1?

• The natural light from the stars in the night sky.

• A phenomenon where artificial light brightens the night sky.

• A type of star that emits extra light.

• The effect of the Milky Way illuminating the sky.

Based on paragraph 2, what does the word obscuring most likely mean?

• A. Revealing something clearly.

• B. Blocking or hiding something from view.

• C. Creating a bright glow.

• D. Guiding with light.