Light Pollution Monitoring Using Remote Sensing Data II

Dear Colleagues,

Light pollution has recently shifted into the focus of science and nature conservation as a novel environmental threat, and numerous studies have demonstrated the deleterious effects of artificial light at night. Its negative impact on flora and fauna as well as on astronomical observations is well documented. More recently, studies have shown the potential threat it poses to human health. In addition to these unwanted effects, light pollution is often linked to the inefficient use of energy and therefore represents an unnecessary expense, which has side effects on climate change. In fact, for a large part of the planet, the required energy for lighting is produced mainly using fossil fuels.

To properly monitor the spatial and temporal evolution of this new type of pollution, it is essential to develop suitable remote sensing methods. Several approaches are currently being explored in this direction, including the use of satellite data, images taken by astronauts from the International Space Station, or observations from stratospheric balloons or airborne platforms such as drones and airplanes. At the same time, many techniques have been developed for the ground-based remote sensing of light pollution, and ground detection networks are being implemented with a variety of approaches.

The main challenges are the detection of the angular and spectral properties of light pollution, as well as its temporal variation. The spectral properties are of crucial importance with regard to impact on living organisms, and angular distribution is essential to improve light pollution modelling. In this Special Issue, we want to bring together the most recent advances made in the remote sensing of light pollution using spaceborne, airborne, and ground-based devices. We expect a diverse collection of works to foster new developments in this relatively new field of research.

Prof. Dr. Martin Aubé
Dr. Andreas Jechow
Guest Editors

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