Dark Sky Friendly Lighting
The night sky is a shared natural resource — one that is becoming increasingly difficult to experience. Artificial light at night, when poorly designed or overused, creates light pollution that washes out the stars and disrupts both human and natural environments.
Dark sky friendly lighting is not about turning lights off entirely. It’s about using the right light, in the right place, at the right time.
What Is Light Pollution?
Light pollution occurs when outdoor lighting is misdirected, excessively bright, or left on unnecessarily. Instead of illuminating the ground where it’s needed, this light spills upward and outward, creating a bright glow in the sky.
This glow reduces contrast in the night sky, making stars, planets, and deep-sky objects harder or impossible to see — even in areas far from cities.
Why Dark Skies Matter
Preserving dark skies benefits more than just astronomers.
- It allows future generations to experience the natural night sky
- It reduces energy waste and lowers utility costs
- It minimizes disruption to wildlife and ecosystems
- It improves human sleep and overall health
For many people, seeing the Milky Way for the first time is a life-changing experience. Unfortunately, millions of people have never seen it from their home.
Principles of Dark Sky Friendly Lighting
Dark sky friendly lighting follows a few simple principles:
- Fully shielded fixtures — Light should point downward, not into the sky
- Lower brightness — Use only as much light as needed
- Warm color temperatures — Prefer amber or warm-white lighting
- Appropriate timing — Turn lights off when they are not needed
Small changes, such as replacing an unshielded fixture or choosing a warmer bulb, can significantly reduce light pollution while still maintaining safety and visibility.
Lighting and Astronomy Outreach
During public observing events, controlling stray light is one of the most important factors in providing a good experience. Bright white lights can quickly ruin night vision and wash out faint objects.
We encourage attendees to use red lights when possible and to be mindful of headlights, flashlights, and phone screens near observing areas.
What You Can Do
You don’t need to live in a remote location to help preserve the night sky. Simple steps make a difference:
- Use shielded outdoor lighting at home
- Choose warm-colored bulbs (3000K or lower)
- Turn off unnecessary lights late at night
- Support dark sky initiatives in your community
By making thoughtful lighting choices, we can improve safety, save energy, protect wildlife, and keep the stars visible — all at the same time.
Protecting the night sky isn’t about astronomy alone. It’s about preserving a sense of wonder that belongs to everyone.