Analysis of Urban Nighttime Light Attenuation Characteristics Based on Dark Sky Conservation Areas

The widespread use of nighttime lighting has led to the continuous expansion of the areas influenced by artificial light, resulting in a rapid depletion of natural night sky resources unaffected by artificial light interference. This paper reviews the development of dark sky protection movements worldwide, summarizes key organizations and types of initiatives in dark sky conservation and analyzes the current distribution and quantity of designated dark sky places across various regions. To study the attenuation characteristics of artificial nighttime light from urban areas to surrounding environment under ideal conditions, research selects concentric circle pattern for on-site monitoring from the city center of Jinzhong, to Taihang Conservation Area for Dark and Starry Sky. It is found that the area affected by nighttime light pollution from the city center far exceeds urban area. The degree of exposure to nighttime light pollution is decreasing continuously as the distance from the city center increases. In Taihang Conversation Area, which is 68km away from the city center, the magnitude brightness value reaches 21mag/arcsecond² and can be regarded as unaffected by artificial light. The study can provide data reference for the development of urban light pollution policy and further light pollution prevention in protected areas.