Resources
What is light pollution?
Answer: The human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. Learn more
Causes
What causes light pollution?
Effects
Who and what are affected by light pollution?
Solutions
What can we do about light pollution?
Resources
Spread the word
Resources you can use to teach policy makers, businesses, and the general public about light pollution.
Public outreach materials
Educational brochures, presentations, infographics, and more. Download or order printed copies.
Materials for educators
Easily downloaded lesson plans for teachers and educational activities for kids.
Family activities to enjoy the night from home
Ways to engage in the dark sky movement with your loved ones — in your backyard, through your living room window, or on a computer screen.
Resources
Light pollution solutions
What renters can do
Renters don’t have as much flexibility as property owners to change their outdoor lighting, but we have some advice for renters and apartment complexes.
My neighbor’s lighting
What you can do when a neighbor installs a new, unshielded light on their property that spills onto your property and perhaps even inside your home. This is known as light trespass.
Guidance for U.S. homeowners associations (HOAs)
Few HOAs include outdoor lighting requirements in their covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). DarkSky has approved model CC&Rs that are dark sky friendly.
You’re part of the solution!
People just like you are already involved in the global dark sky movement! You can be part of the solution too.
Resources
The science of outdoor lighting
Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) research literature database
The ALAN database (off-site link) provides references to scientific literature on all aspects of research into artificial light at night, a joint effort between DarkSky and the Loss of the Night Network.
Measuring light pollution
Solving light pollution requires data, and a great way to do that is to measure the brightness of the night sky. It’s relatively easy to make such measurements, and you can help!
How to conduct a night sky quality survey
You don’t need to be a scientist to study light pollution! Surveys using sky quality meters (SQMs) are one way we can collect data on our brightening skies.
Resources
Dark sky principles
The Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting
By incorporating these principles, properly designed electric lighting at night can be beautiful, healthy, and functional.
Values-centered outdoor lighting
A resolution by DarkSky’s board of directors that expands on The Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting.
Responsible Outdoor Lighting at Night (ROLAN) manifesto for lighting
By following the ROLAN manifesto, governments, businesses, and individuals can support the implementation of the United Nations sustainable development goals.
Resources
Lighting policy and ordinances
Lighting ordinances
How to identify whether your community has an outdoor lighting ordinance, how to advocate for an ordinance, and how to ensure that an ordinance is enforced.
Dark sky friendly outdoor lighting for policy makers
Why municipalities should be concerned about light pollution.
Guidance for U.S. homeowners associations (HOAs)
Few HOAs include outdoor lighting requirements in their Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). DarkSky has approved model CC&Rs that are dark sky friendly.
Lighting zones
The five lighting zones, LZ0 through LZ4, reflect the base (or ambient) light levels desired by a community, and are used when writing legislation for light pollution.
Model Lighting Ordinance
The MLO provides suggested lighting ordinance language and is designed to help municipalities develop outdoor lighting standards that reduce glare, light trespass, and sky glow.
DarkSky positions
DarkSky position statements on issues such as satellite mega-constellations,
high powered lights along the U.S./Mexico border, light justice, and more.
Resources
Visuals
“Losing the Dark” planetarium film
A free planetarium show introducing and illustrating some of the issues around light pollution and suggesting three simple actions people can take to help mitigate it. Available in many formats and languages.
Videos
A collection of videos about dark sky issues.
DarkSky on YouTube
Videos from our staff, Advocates, and more. This is also where you can find recordings of DarkSky virtual events such as our annual Under One Sky global conference.
Infographics
Informational images that can help people understand the complex issues of light pollution. Free downloads.
Resources
FAQs and Glossary
DarkSky FAQs
Do you have a question about light pollution, outdoor lighting, or what DarkSky does? Then check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.
FAQs about International Dark Sky Places
Everything you need to know about applying for Dark Sky Place certification and our nocturnal conservation program.
Glossary
What’s an angstrom? Or the cut off angle of a luminaire? Actually, what’s a luminaire anyway?! Our Glossary unlocks lighting industry and light pollution terms!
Resources
DarkSky publications
Nightscape
Our award-winning members-only magazine provides current news about DarkSky and night sky protection and in-depth articles on DarkSky programs, light pollution issues, and protecting the night sky.
Annual impact reports
Our annual reports quantify the impact of our work around the globe, ranging from success stories and stats to financials.
Resources
Apps, links, and events
Software and mobile apps
Software and mobile apps can help us appreciate the night sky, measure light pollution, and much more.
Useful links
Some of the tools and sites we use from our partners, friends, and colleagues are provided here.
Find or start a DarkSky chapter
Our chapter members are on the ground making a difference in their neighborhoods and communities. Find a chapter in your area and get involved. No chapter nearby? Then find some like-minded folks and start one!
