We have the extraordinary privilege of living where there are still dark skies. Go outside on a clear dark night and you’ll see the Milky Way. Over 80% of the world no longer sees it in their sky. Let’s protect and preserve ours!
The premise of dark sky community is simple: us the right amount of light, in the right place, at the right time. Outdoor Craftsmen encourages thoughtful placement and style of all outdoor lighting to reduce the ever-expanding glow of cities.
Many people believe that more and brighter lighting makes us safer, but there is no conclusive evidence suggesting that’s true. In fact, glare from unshielded lights can create harsh shadows where criminals can hide, making it easier for them.
You can help protect dark skies
If you are in the habit of having exterior lights on at night on your home, garage, or outbuilding, turn them off not later than 9pm. When installing exterior lights, we recommend considering shielded fixtures to avoid interference with the sky.
Examples of best lighting options are in the illustration below). Lighting that has exposed bulbs (even of low wattage), floodlights, and unshielded barn and outbuilding/exterior home fixtures can be a nuisance to neighbors (not to mention amateur astronomers and night photographers). A lot of lights and unusually bright lights, especially left on all night, are considered light pollution.
Use lighting only where and when it is needed, and if safety is a concern install motion detector lights and timers. Or simply redirect your lights onto the ground where they will do the most good.
Your outdoor lighting can be dark sky friendly when:
• Use lighting only when needed
• Only light the area that needs it
• Be no brighter than necessary
• Minimize blue light emissions
• Be fully shielded (and pointing downward)
Learn more by clicking on www.darksky.org
Photo credit: International Dark-Sky Association
Illustration credit (below): as noted
