Discussion
Humans have a fundamental right to view the sky without being hit in the eyes with high intensity light from artificial sources. In addition, Humans also have a fundamental right to view the stars at night for wonder and inspiration. The intensity of LED and Xenon lights and their small sizes means that flying objects can now emit a sharp light that is incompatible with these fundamental rights and human biology.
Figure 1 shows a drone shining a high color temperature light into the eyes of viewers below, whether they consented to this light or not.
Figure 1 – Drone with Light
Figure 2 shows another drone with typical strobing green or red lights. As drones proliferate, this sky pollution will grow quickly without regulations.
Figure 2 – Drone with Colored Lights
Proposed Regulations
The sky is a resource for all of us. Visual light pollution is distracting and mentally disturbing for those of us on the ground. The safety of our skies for flying machines will require the elimination of lights to remove the distraction. Therefore, we propose that LED lights on drones, airplanes and satellites be prohibited.
To preserve the safety of the skies without light pollution, flying objects must use non-visible methods of communication such as radar.