The Effects of Anthropogenic Air and Light Pollution on Astrophysics and Society
Light and air pollution are the two main forms of pollution, containing the highest concentration in urban areas. I set out to investigate the effects of anthropogenic air and light pollution on the night sky, how this affects the astronomical data-collecting process, and how the general public perceives both forms of pollution. This paper utilizes primary and secondary research, referring to different sources: data collected through my telescope, astrophotography, other scientists' research, and survey responses from over 40 people across 2 areas: Southern California and Guadalajara, Mexico. Through this, I have found strong correlations between increased aerosol particles from air pollutants and increased night sky brightness, increased aerosol particles amplifying cloud formation, which in turn increases light reflection, and a correlation between different areas and what they believe about pollution, with many being misinformed on air and light pollution themselves.