Light Pollution in Puerto Rico

Sponsoring organization: Junta de Calidad Ambiental

Team members: John DeVries, Alex Haring, Matthew Giambrone, and Matthew Penrose

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Abstract: Ground level light pollution is a growing problem across the globe. In Puerto Rico, light pollution is a serious problem for people living in urban environments as well as organisms in the wild. While the health effects of excess light are well documented, the methods for collecting data on ground level light pollution are not. The goal of this project is to develop a procedure for measuring ground level light pollution, and to carry out initial light measurements to lay the groundwork for future studies. Surveys of Puerto Rican citizens were done to get an idea of public awareness of light pollution. The outcomes of the project are a manual for collecting data, initial measurements using the procedure at key locations, as well as a better understanding of public opinion. Our results will be presented to Para la Naturaleza and la Junta de Calidad Ambiental so they can use it to create a plan for future regulation and control of light pollution in Puerto Rico.