PG 1: Introduction to Light Pollution
IDA Practical Guide
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or most of Earth’s history, our spectacular universe of
stars and galaxies has been visible in the darkness of the
night sky. From our earliest beginnings, the vast spectacle
arrayed across the dark sky has inspired questions about our
universe and our relation to it. The history of scientific discovery,
art, literature, astronomy, navigation, exploration, philosophy,
and even human curiosity itself would be diminished with-
out our view of the stars. But today, the increasing number
of people living on earth and the corresponding increase in
inappropriate and unshielded outdoor lighting has resulted in
Topic : light pollution—a brightening night sky that has obliterated
the stars for much of the world’s population. Most people must
travel far from home, away from the glow of artificial lighting,
to experience the awe-inspiring expanse of the Milky Way as
Introduction to Light
our ancestors once knew it.
The negative effects of the loss of this inspirational natural
Pollution — resource might seem intangible. But a growing body of evidence
links the brightening night sky directly to measurable negative
impacts on human health and immune function, on adverse
What’s the Problem? behavioral changes in insect and animal populations, and on a
decrease of both ambient quality and safety in our nighttime
environment. Astronomers were among the first to record the
negative impacts of wasted lighting on scientific research, but
for all of us, the adverse economic and environmental impacts
of wasted energy are apparent in everything from the monthly
electric bill to global warming.
In refreshing contrast to some of today’s complex and lin-
gering environmental problems, many existing solutions to
light pollution are simple, cost-effective, and instantaneous.
© International Dark-Sky Association [Link]
2 PG 1: Introduction to Light Pollution
Recognizing when outdoor lighting no longer serves its function and becomes a
pollutant is the first step toward choosing appropriate solutions.
Light pollution is excessive and inappropriate artificial light. The four components of
light pollution are often combined and overlapping:
Urban sky glow—the brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas.
Light trespass—light falling where it is not intended, wanted, or needed.
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Glare— excessive brightness which causes visual discomfort. High levels of glare
can decrease visibility.
Clutter—bright, confusing, and excessive groupings of light sources, commonly
found in over-lit urban areas. The proliferation of clutter contributes to
urban sky glow, trespass, and glare.
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ing sites, well away from sources of air pollution and urban sky glow, becomes more
problematic as economic and environmental energy costs continue to rise. Amateur
astronomers, meanwhile, find prime observing spots eradicated by commercial and
residential development and
must travel farther from home for a clear view of the skies. Increasingly,
the most important equipment needed to enjoy the wonders of the night
sky is an automobile with a full tank of gas and a map.
The adverse effects of light pollution extend well beyond astronomy.
New research suggests that light at night may interfere with normal
circadian rhythms—the 24-hour cycle of day and night that humans
have used to maintain health and regulate their activities for thousands of
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years. Light trespass, occurring when streetlights or a neighbor’s security
light directs unwanted lighting onto our property or into our homes,
contributes to a loss of natural darkness. Wildlife, too, is harmed by the
unnecessary brightening of the night. From newly hatched sea turtles
to migrating birds, fish, frogs, salamanders, and lighting bugs, artificial
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devastating ways. While research is still ongoing, it is becoming apparent
that both bright days and dark nights are necessary to maintain healthy
hormone production, cell function, and brain activity, as well as normal
feeding, mating, and migratory behavior for many species, including
humans.
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© International Dark-Sky Association [Link]
PG 1: Introduction to Light Pollution 3
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Paradoxically, in addition to wasting resources, a nighttime
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environment that is over-lit results in lowered visibility: direct Use light only when and where it’s needed. Turn
glare from improperly shielded fixtures is often blinding. Light off lights when they are not needed and cre-
spilling into the sky does not light the ground where we need it. ate a curfew for lights-out. Minimize interim
The redundant lighting found in many urban centers results in a light use with timers and motion detectors.
clutter of lights that contribute to sky glow, trespass, and glare Use only as much light as needed. Over lighting
while destroying the ambiance of our nighttime environment. reduces the eye’s ability to see outside of the
Our eyes, when dark-adapted, have good natural capacity in lit area. In addition, excess light can produce
low-light situations. But when nightscapes are over-lit, eyes glare, which also reduces visibility. Selecting
never have a chance to become dark-adapted, and areas adjacent the correct lamp wattage for your needs
to brightly lit areas become impenetrable, reducing safety. Some increases safety and reduces costs.
communities have experienced a decrease in crime by reducing Shine lights down, not up. A well-designed fix-
or eliminating nighttime lighting in appropriate areas. ture will direct the light where it’s needed
most—at the ground. Select new fixtures
Light pollution wastes money and energy. Billions of dollars are that are fully shielded; retrofit or replace
spent on unnecessary lighting every year in the United States poor quality fixtures. For more information
alone, with over $2.2 billion going directly into the nighttime on selecting dark-sky friendly fixtures, refer
sky via unshielded outdoor lights. Unshielded outdoor lights to IDA’s Web site and the fixtures featured in
are directly responsible for 14.7 million tons of carbon dioxide the IDA Fixture Seal of Approval program.
waste. Simply reducing and removing unnecessary lighting saves Use efficient light sources for outdoor lighting
money and energy, often at minimal expense. Over-lighting the around homes and businesses. Consider
night neither improves visibility nor increases nighttime safety, a compact fluorescent for good, energy
utility, security, or ambiance. efficient, economical lighting—a low-
wattage lamp gives plenty of light for most
Many homeowners, city planners, and lighting contractors rely properties and applications, and in a fully
on the theory that “more is better” when it comes to lighting our shielded fixture, it makes an excellent
nightscapes. We have learned, however, that the glare of exces- choice. When higher wattage lamps are
sive light can actually reduce visibility and that well-planned necessary, be sure that they are fully shielded
lighting can save money, decrease crime and improve night- and energy efficient.
time ambiance. Learning what does and does not constitute
quality lighting is the next step toward implementing simple,
common sense strategies for effective, efficient outdoor lighting.
Set a good example in your own environment, and when
selecting or recommending an outdoor fixture, refer to the
guidelines suggested in the Practical Actions listed on the right.
© International Dark-Sky Association [Link]
4 PG 1: Introduction to Light Pollution
Solutions exist now for the problem of light pollution, and control
programs are underway in many communities. Education and
personal action can begin in your own neighborhood. IDA’s Web
site provides sample letters and information to help you implement
constructive solutions to lighting problems in your community. Com-
munity involvement can pave the way for the adoption of outdoor
lighting codes and ordinances essential to the long-term preservation
and protection of our dark skies. Thousands of communities around
the world have established lighting ordinances to regulate efficient,
effective nighttime lighting. In response to this, IDA’s “Simple
Guidelines for Lighting Regulation” is a useful tool for developing
lighting ordinances that reflect community standards and conform
to recommended practices of the international lighting associations.
Light pollution affects every citizen. It is a serious environmental
concern that wastes money and resources while jeopardizing wildlife,
our environment, health, and human heritage. Each of us can imple-
ment practical solutions to combat light pollution locally, nationally,
and internationally.
Learn the facts about light pollution. Learn how to recognize
fixtures that are well-designed, dark sky friendly and
efficient. IDA is the leading authority on the problems
and solutions related to light pollution, and IDA’s Web
site is a great educational resource.
Educate others. Educating the public, government officials, and
lighting professionals is an important part of combat-
ing light pollution. Share what you know about the
value and effectiveness of quality outdoor lighting
with your friends, neighbors, and community leaders.
Find a local IDA section in your community.
Get Involved. Encourage your community to implement
lighting regulations. The “Get Help” section of the
IDA Web site offers many resources to help you get
started. “Simple Guidelines for Lighting Regulations”
and the “Homeowner’s Guide to Outdoor Lighting”
are especially informative.
Donate now. Established in 1988, the International Dark-Sky
Association is an educational, environmental 501(c)(3)
nonprofit dedicated to protecting and preserving the
nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies
through quality outdoor lighting. With over thou-
sands of members in more than 70 countries, IDA
relies on contributions from concerned citizens like
you who become members, donate, or make us a part
of their planned giving portfolios.
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We could all see the sky as our ancestors once saw
it just by turning off the lights.
© International Dark-Sky Association [Link]
PG 1: Introduction to Light Pollution 5
Referenced Material:
U.S. Lighting Market Characterization, Volume I: National Lighting Inventory and Energy Consumption Estimate—
Received by Building Technologies Program; Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; U.S. Department
of Energy; Prepared by Navigant Consulting Inc. 1801 K Street, NW Suite 500 Washington DC, 20006 with
XENERGY, Inc. Burlington, MA; September 2002.
Related Practical Guides and Web Links:
“PG2: Effects of Artificial Light at Night on Wildlife”—[Link]
For information on IDA membership and donations, visit our Web site at
[Link].
Updated 2009/June
© International Dark-Sky Association [Link]
