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What is Light Pollution?

 

(Light Pollution is any adverse effect of artificial lighting)

 

Today, people who live in or near cities have lost much of their view of the universe. This view is often substantially diminished even for people who live in smaller towns and rural areas. The spectacular view of the sky that our ancestors had on clear dark nights no longer exists. The great increase in the number of people living in urban areas has resulted in a rapid increase in urban sky glow due to outdoor lighting, brightening the heavens to such an extent that the only view most people have of the Milky Way or most stars is when they are well away from cities. This excess light in the sky has an adverse impact on the environment and seriously threatens to remove forever one of humanity’s natural wonders — our view of the universe.

 -Excerpt from IDA Information sheet #1 "The Problem with Light Pollution"

 

Components of Light Pollution

Sky Glow—haze and no stars seen above the horizon, sky is amber or pink on cloudy nights.
 

Light Trespass--- light shining on other properties. 

                                                                                                        

Glare—light shining directly into our eyes 

 

 

Effects of Light Pollution

Energy is wasted when light spills up to the universe, is used when not needed or if the light uses more Wattage than needed. Wasted light is wasted energy. It has been estimated that the United States wastes over $1 billion dollars per year lightning up the night sky when that light should be directed down to the ground. For a more quantitative analysis of how much wasted light costs us, see the following IDA information sheet, "Figures at a Glance"

Safety and Security are compromised when glaring light causes dark shadows and eyes don’t accommodate to the background darkness. Glare is blinding; objects become invisible. Just drive past a bright gas station at night and you will see how too much light actually blinds drivers and makes driving unsafe.

Plant, animal and human cycles are disrupted, including reproduction, migration and sleep. Humans, animals, and insects are supposed to sleep when it gets dark, but as we turn night into day, we are disrupting these patterns and causing harm to all involved. There is a large push for medical research into this area right now. 

Enjoyment of the beauty of the night is affected. Stars are not bright and sky is not dark. The Milky Way galaxy is not visible and the ages old heritage of the night-sky is lost.

 

Solutions to Light Pollution

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Use lights only when and where necessary.

 

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Shield or recess the bulbs so no glare is visible. Many companies make simple shields that can be bought to direct light down to the ground. 

 

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Aim fixtures downward so there is no upward spill of light or light trespass. 

 

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Use low wattage, energy-efficient bulbs that do not over-light an area compared to the background lighting. High and low Pressure Sodium bulbs are energy efficient as are LED lights. They use little energy, but provide lots of light where you need it.

 
bulletTurn off the lights when not needed. If you don't need to on for a good reason, then turn it off.

 

More Information: IDA Information Sheets (PDF documents)

All the ones linked below and dozens of others can be found at http://www.darksky.org/mc/page.do?sitePageId=58823

 

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IS # 180: How to Get State Legislation Passed

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IS # 181: Getting Started With an Outdoor Lighting Ordinance

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IS # 40: Dark Sky Advocacy- How to Get Started

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IS # 6: Advice on Working with Community Leaders, Officials, and Others

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IS # 155: How to Ask

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IS # 128:  How to Talk to the Media

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IS # 25:  How to Talk to Your Neighbor Who Has Bad Lighting




 

 

 

 

For more information:
"Never doubt that a small group of dedicated citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it's the only thing that ever does."
Margaret Mead
 

January 2012 Announcements    - Please Sign a Petition to Reduce Light Pollution in Houston

Local Activities

- Updates on Dark-Sky Efforts in Fayette County

-Dark Sky Initiatives in and Around Blanco