I-LABS scientist Dr. Rodolgo Cortes Barragan published one of the most downloaded articles in Scientific Reports. The article, which focuses on how the ability to see the stars impacts our curiosity and wonder about the universe, was one of the Top 100 downloaded Sustainability papers published in Scientific Reports last year.
In the study, I-LABS scientists Rodolfo Cortes Barragan and Andrew Meltzoff examined light pollution data collected by physicists and combined it with psychological data from the Pew Research Center. People that live in places with low light pollution, meaning they have a clearer view of the stars, report feeling more “wonder about the universe.” Data also showed that people who felt more wonder about the universe demonstrate more interest in astronomy.
The findings suggest that light pollution is not only impacting biological and ecological processes, but also human behavior, science education, and society. Increasing opportunities to gaze at the starry night sky may just contribute to broadening access to science and education.
Read the article in the current issue of Scientific Reports.
Read more in a UW News Q&A article here.
Q&A: UW researchers examine link between light pollution and interest in astronomy | EurekAlert!