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[RobbW]

This isn't going to be a long post or a rather philosophical one, either. I know the LP in the Chicago area is bad, and the orange glow of the mercury vapor lamps that light our streets is absolutely putrid. I've been reading about street lighting experiments in Chicago and other communities across the USA to try and reduce the energy costs of illuminating streets and neighborhoods while improving the effectiveness of that illumination. Municipal lighting seems to be trending toward LED lamps, which have significantly lower operating costs. They also offer significantly brighter, crisper, and pleasing (to the human eye) illumination.

Unfortunately, a lot of what I have been reading about the LED lamps that municipalities are testing is that they emit a brighter, bluer wavelength than their mercury vapor counterparts. While this may appear more pleasing to the human eye, it seems that it is actually more harmful to our night skies than traditional mercury vapor lamps.

Does anyone live in an area of Chicagoland where they have tested these new LED lamps? Can anyone provide an opinion of whether they help or hamper the viewing of our night skies? I'm very interested in the practical applications of these new-technology street lamps. Also, any opinions or links to articles/studies are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Robb,

There are studies that have shown the LEDs are disruptive to human circadian cycles...and might even promote cancer. They flash, similar to fluorescent lighting, but at a much faster rate.

The buses that have the LEDs for interior lighting look horrid as they pass on by and appear to be very unhealthy. I myself feel a bit queasy if I'm using a LED flashlight for too long and really get bothered by those high beam LEDs on the newer plastic cars.

There are reams of data on-line, but this is a simple link to an intro...

texyt.com/bright+blue+leds+annoyance+health+risks

I'm against them.