​Dark sky friendly lighting takes into consideration five basic design principles:
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• Useful - Start with natural darkness - Before installing or replacing a light, determine if it is needed, and use light only where it is needed. Consider its impact on wildlife and the environment.

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• Targeted - Use “full cutoff” - sometimes called fully shielded -- light fixtures where no part of the light source or its reflective and refractive elements are visible above the horizontal. With these fixtures light is aimed only downward where it is needed, not outward and upward where it is wasted.​

 

• Intensity - Do not over-light an area with excess "lumens." This saves money and energy. Reflected light off the ground and other surfaces can also contribute to light pollution, so it is important to use only enough light to do what is actually needed.

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• Color - Use lighting which is "warm-white." This light is not as harsh and is scattered by the atmosphere less than “cool” blue-white light, and protects our health - and the night sky - much better. A "color temperature" of 2700 K or less is ideal.

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• Controlled Period of Illumination - Shut off lights when not needed. Turn off lights when not in use, and incorporate timers or motion sensors which improve security and also save money and energy.

Shielding

Color Temperature

Employing these simple and easy to effect principles can dramatically improve and restore the night sky. Adapted from Mont-Megantic Dark Sky Reserve

​Examples of poor versus excellent lighting fixtures for higher efficiency and protecting the night sky, eliminating glare, and helping to prevent light from trespassing onto your neighbor's property.  Many ​dark sky friendly fixtures will have an​ IDA Seal of Approval.

​Click the picture below for each organization for more more detailed information on dark skies & light pollution.

​Have a light fixture that has too high of a color temperature - too much blue - and the light source can't be easily replaced? An inexpensive movie and stage light filter can correct this lighting to be ​warm versus cool white: ​

www.darkskylighting.co.uk/products/uv-blue-blocker-led-lighting-correction-film

​Education about light pollution and the importance of a dark nighttime environment is an essential key to raise public awareness. This educational brochure is available to groups and organizations promoting dark skies, for a minimal cost to cover postage and handling directly from Dark Sky Defenders - contact us for details, a sample, or to schedule a presentation on dark skies and light pollution.

A hi-resolution version of the Good Neighbor Lighting brochure is available here.