The ongoing conversion of street lighting to energy-saving LED lamps in Vienna allows a significantly better view of the night sky of the federal capital. Sky clearing could be reduced in this way, according to results published on Sunday from a comparison of aerial photographs from 2016 and 2023.
To date, more than 90,000 lamps have been replaced. This resulted in energy savings of 60 percent and combated urban light pollution, according to the office of planning councilor Ulli Sima (SPÖ). The conversion of street lighting in Vienna should be fully completed in 2026. The change also has a positive effect on the protection of insects and biodiversity.
An analysis of the 2016 data from a bird’s eye view would show that the design of the new Vienna standard lamps does not emit light directly into the sky, thus reducing the brightness of the night sky by 28 percent. Research shows that modern LED lamps attract up to 80 percent fewer insects than previous lamps.
Since 2017, all 50,000 rope hanging lamps in Vienna have been replaced. Since 2021, all 80,000 city lights have been replaced. In a final phase, all historic old city lights in the center of Vienna will be adapted.
Source: Krone
I am an experienced and passionate journalist with a strong track record in news website reporting. I specialize in technology coverage, breaking stories on the latest developments and trends from around the world. Working for Today Times Live has given me the opportunity to write thought-provoking pieces that have caught the attention of many readers.
