Final answer:
Night scene operations, particularly in astronomy, require clear weather, minimal light pollution, high altitudes, and dry locations to minimize atmospheric disturbance. Light pollution affects not only observations but also wildlife and municipal costs. Efforts by organizations like the International Dark-Sky Association aim to preserve dark skies against new challenges posed by satellite traffic.
Step-by-step explanation:
For night scene operations, such as astronomical observations, several additional conditions are important beyond the requirements of day scenes. The most obvious limitation is weather conditions such as clouds, wind, and rain. Areas with clear skies up to 75% of the time are preferred. Astronomers also look for dry sites at high altitudes because the atmosphere, particularly the infrared spectrum, is less affected by water vapor.
Moreover, observatories must contend with light pollution, an issue that reduces visibility of faint stars and interferes with the ability to probe distances using telescopes. Air quality also plays a role; ideal locations are generally at least 100 miles from major cities. Additionally, turbulent air in the atmosphere can disturb light passing through it, causing "bad seeing" conditions where celestial objects appear blurred. Mitigating these factors is crucial for successful night scene observations.
Awareness of the impact of light pollution extends beyond professional astronomy. It also affects animal life cycles and leads to higher municipal expenses and fossil fuel consumption. Organizations like the International Dark-Sky Association have been established to address these challenges. With increased satellite traffic in low-Earth orbit, which compromises the night sky due to reflections of sunlight, the preservation of dark skies has become an ever more critical effort.