Light pollution – the undesirable effects of poorly designed and used artificial lighting – has been the subject of considerable research by biologists and astronomers. But, three Missouri State University economics department faculty are now studying the economic value of a dark sky.

Drs. Terrel Gallaway, David Mitchell and Reed Olsen used satellite imagery and economic data to identify economic factors contributing to light pollution. They also surveyed visitors at four national parks about their willingness to pay for initiatives that preserve the naturally dark sky.

Their research was published in Ecological Economics, the Journal of Economic Issues and the Journal of Environmental Planning and Management.

Gallaway and Mitchell also received a grant from the National Park Service to explore the value of the night sky with regard to tourism in the Colorado Plateau region.

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