Thirteenth International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

The term “Light Pollution” did not appear in literature on the night sky until the early 1970s. Despite this relatively recent classification, electric light had been the subject of resistance since its earliest implementation—from both individuals and organized groups fearful that it could have a negative impact on human health. Popular terminology describing this potentially hazardous condition considered it a “nuisance” until the late 20th century when a cumulative condition of illumination amassed into a territorial concern. The term “light pollution” emerges not from the work of illumination professionals or environmental activists but rather from the field of astronomy. No longer able to see the stars, astronomers began to publish widely on the topic using the term “pollution’’ to specifically describe the “damage of the astronomical observing environment.” In these early days, it was seen to be a strictly disciplinary issue placing astronomers in the position of advocating for urban planning reform in an effort to preserve the darkness of the night sky. The multi-scale impact of electric lighting had entrenched the astronomical sciences in territorial issues, requiring engagement with planning, policy, and design to preserve their discipline. This paper does not attempt to trace the trajectory of increased brightness in the environment but rather the historiographic turns that coalesced in the construction of “light pollution” as a concept. It follows the institutional bodies in German-speaking European countries responsible for shifting the perception of electric light from “nuisance” to “pollutant” in the context of 20th century environmental movements.