About this Research Topic
In today’s global landscape, the omnipresence of artificial light at night (ALAN) presents significant challenges and opportunities across technological, ecological, and social realms. Heightened by advancements in lighting technology and the expansion of urban environments, ALAN's influence on human health, ecosystem dynamics, and social structures necessitates an in-depth examination. Despite its benefits in terms of safety and urban functionality, there is growing concern over its ecological disturbances—such as disruption of wildlife behavior and adverse effects on human circadian rhythms—and the societal pushback against light pollution in urban centers. Remote sensing has emerged as an essential tool in mapping and quantifying light pollution, providing valuable data that can inform sustainable lighting practices.
This Research Topic aims to dissect the complex interplay between ALAN's technological advancements, ecological impacts, and social perceptions, addressing both the adverse and beneficial facets. The objective is to foster a nuanced understanding that promotes optimal lighting solutions which ensure public safety and health while conserving our natural environment. Key questions involve the extent to which current lighting practices can adapt to minimize ecological disruption and how public perception can influence policy making in urban lighting.
To gather further insights in these areas, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Technologies, industry, and lighting design involved in artificial light production and their corresponding ecological effects.
• Remote sensing methodologies and analyses to investigate the spatial and temporal characteristics of artificial light.
• Ecological impacts of artificial light on wildlife, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
• Human health and well-being implications, including effects on sleep, circadian rhythms, and mental health.
• Public perceptions and attitudes toward nighttime lighting, encompassing safety, security, and community perspectives.
• The role of regulations, policies, and mitigation strategies in balancing the benefits and detriments of artificial lighting.
We welcome original research articles, reviews, theoretical perspectives, and policy analyses that contribute to understanding the intricacies of artificial light at night. Join us in exploring this fascinating research domain, illuminating the path toward sustainable management of nighttime lighting.
This Research Topic aims to dissect the complex interplay between ALAN's technological advancements, ecological impacts, and social perceptions, addressing both the adverse and beneficial facets. The objective is to foster a nuanced understanding that promotes optimal lighting solutions which ensure public safety and health while conserving our natural environment. Key questions involve the extent to which current lighting practices can adapt to minimize ecological disruption and how public perception can influence policy making in urban lighting.
To gather further insights in these areas, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Technologies, industry, and lighting design involved in artificial light production and their corresponding ecological effects.
• Remote sensing methodologies and analyses to investigate the spatial and temporal characteristics of artificial light.
• Ecological impacts of artificial light on wildlife, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
• Human health and well-being implications, including effects on sleep, circadian rhythms, and mental health.
• Public perceptions and attitudes toward nighttime lighting, encompassing safety, security, and community perspectives.
• The role of regulations, policies, and mitigation strategies in balancing the benefits and detriments of artificial lighting.
We welcome original research articles, reviews, theoretical perspectives, and policy analyses that contribute to understanding the intricacies of artificial light at night. Join us in exploring this fascinating research domain, illuminating the path toward sustainable management of nighttime lighting.
Keywords: artificial light, nighttime light, ecology, remote sensing
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
