Where to escape light pollution in the Capital Region

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Light pollution is present throughout the Capital Region, especially in larger cities. If you want to see the stars or constellations in the night sky, this pollution can often be a problem.

According to National Geographic, light pollution is the excessive presence of artificial light in the night sky. This pollution is created by the electric lights of cars, street lamps, offices, factories, outdoor advertising, and buildings. Some of the most light-polluted countries in the world are Singapore, Qatar, and Kuwait.

The effects of light pollution

This nocturnal light interrupts people’s sleep cycles
It impacts animal behaviors, such as migration patterns, wake-sleep habits, and habitat formation
Prevents people from seeing stars and constellations in the night sky

The Light Pollution Map website shows places in the United States with light pollution, or the lack thereof. Red areas have very high light pollution, followed by orange, yellow, and green areas. Dark blue and black areas have almost no light pollution.

In the Capital Region, Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga Springs, and Glens Falls are in the red zone. Surrounding areas such as Rensselaer, Latham, Colonie, Clifton Park, and Malta are in the orange zone. Other towns and cities surrounding those areas are mainly in the yellow and green zones.

There are places in the Capital Region where you can see the stars clearly without high levels of light pollution. However, you may need to travel outside of larger cities and towns.

Here’s where you should be able to easily see the stars, broken down by county.