Light Sensor Attached to Boat for Artificial Light At Night Study

USGS Western Fisheries Research Center scientists are investigating the relationship between ALAN, predators’ hunting ability, and juvenile salmon survival in Lake Washington. This includes using a new instrument that overcomes significant issues experienced when attempting to measure light at night underwater. Most light sensors are not sensitive enough to measure ALAN (they are made for daytime use), or they are made for other purposes. The new can measure light at the surface and through the water column by wavelength (color). This technology is used by NASA and NOAA to measure ocean water quality and it is the first time the instrument has been used in freshwater to study artificial light levels.