"Loss of the Night" for young scientists

Dear Kids!

At this point we want to introduce you to our research project called "Loss of the Night". Various scientists from different kinds of research institutes joined to participate in this project. Through elaborate research, they are attempting to find out how animals and humans are affected by artificial light.

Artificial light is manmade and delivered through street lights, advertising billboards or lamps illuminating buildings. During the day we hardly ever need artificial light, as there is sufficient natural light. Natural light is provided mostly by the sun but also by fire, lightning and glow worms.

Animals are an example of the affects of artificial light. Every earthly creature follows a day-night rhythm. They are either active during the day and sleep at night (like humans) or the other way around (like bats). In any case, they take to light or darkness. Because of too much artificial light during the night, creatures nowadays cannot differentiate accurately between night and day. Many nocturnal creatures search for food during the night. However, if it does not get sufficiently dark, they do not recognise that it is becoming night and therefore have problems finding food. The lack of darkness may also cause their prey not to leave its hideout. As a result they stay absent from the food web, which can have a serious impact on the ecosystem.

But our scientists are researching many other affects as part of the project.

If you want to know more, just click through our page. Our quiz can help you to understand the whole topic better. Or carry out your own experiments on all aspects of light. Our arts and craft corner offers something for all ages.