Preserve

Since 1999, Dark Skies Inc. has helped citizens and businesses replace light polluting fixtures with shielded units that direct the necessary light downwards to prevent light pollution that spoils our pristine night sky. We also work directly with the local community to provide information on what actions they can take to preserve our amazing night sky. Want to volunteer in preserving our night skies? Looking to become a Dark Skies certified community? Please contact us for more information and read this article for more details on becoming certified.

What is Light Pollution?

Light pollution refers to the excessive, artificial, and unwanted light that affects the natural darkness of the night sky. It is caused by various sources such as streetlights, floodlights, and commercial lighting, among others. The excessive and inappropriate use of these artificial lights creates a bright and hazy sky that makes it difficult to view stars and other celestial objects.

Types of Light Pollution:

Light pollution can be classified into four types:

  1. Skyglow: This is the brightening of the sky over a populated area. It is caused by the scattering of light in the atmosphere due to the presence of pollutants and dust particles. Skyglow is the most common type of light pollution.

  2. Glare: This occurs when a bright light source causes discomfort or interferes with vision. It can cause accidents on roads and affect wildlife behavior.

  3. Light Trespass: This is the unwanted light that spills over into areas where it is not needed, such as neighboring properties. It can be a source of annoyance and discomfort to people and wildlife.

  4. Clutter: This is the excessive grouping of lighting fixtures that create unnecessary and unwanted light.

Impact of Light Pollution:

Light pollution has numerous negative impacts on human health, wildlife, and the environment. Some of the effects include:

  1. Health: Light pollution can disrupt sleep patterns and cause circadian rhythm disturbances, leading to health problems such as insomnia, depression, and obesity.

  2. Wildlife: Light pollution affects the behavior of animals and birds. It can disrupt their breeding patterns, migration, and feeding behavior. It can also disorient sea turtle hatchlings and migratory birds.

  3. Environment: Light pollution can affect the natural cycles of plants and wildlife, leading to ecological imbalances.

How to Prevent Light Pollution:

Preventing light pollution requires the implementation of appropriate outdoor lighting fixtures and proper installation. Here are some measures that can be taken to prevent light pollution:

  1. Use of Dark Sky Approved Lighting Fixtures: These fixtures are designed to minimize glare, light trespass, and light pollution. They direct light downwards, reducing the amount of light that is directed upwards.

  2. Use of Motion Sensors: Motion sensors can be used to turn on lights only when there is movement detected, thereby reducing energy consumption.

  3. Shielding: Shielding lights can help to direct light downwards and reduce glare.

  4. Timers: Timers can be used to control the time when lights are on, thereby reducing energy consumption.

Importance of Maintaining Dark Sky Certification:

The Dark Sky Certification program is a global effort to protect the natural darkness of the night sky. Communities like ours that are certified have taken measures to reduce light pollution and promote responsible lighting practices.

Light Pollution in the Wet Mountain Valley vs Other Colorado Cities

As seen in the image, Westcliffe and Silver Cliff are perfectly situated to avoid the light pollution coming from large cities such as Denver and Colorado Springs. 

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Starry skies are a vanishing treasure because light pollution is washing away our view of the cosmos. It not only threatens astronomy, it disrupts wildlife, and affects human health. The yellow glows over cities and towns - seen so clearly from space - are testament to the billions spent in wasted energy from lighting up the sky.
 
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Updating Community Lights

In 1999, shortly after the inception of Dark Skies on March 5 of that year, Smokey Jack, President, negotiated an agreement with the West Custer County Hospital District to have shielded lights installed in their parking lot and on the building. Sign illumination that was dark sky friendly was also included. Fifteen years later, these fixtures are still in use.

This lighting project was the first in a long process to change the mindsets of these old western communities to one of “How can we protect our beautiful Wet Mountain Valley’s rural charm from being lost to big-city problems like light pollution?” 

In 2009 and 2010, Dark Skies worked with the Custer County Commissioners to replace the Custer County Courthouse exterior lighting with dark sky friendly fixtures.

The top image is of the front of the Custer County Courthouse from Sixth Street/Highway 69 where the glaring wall packs used to blind passing drivers. The bottom image is the back of the courthouse where glaring wall packs were replaced (the shielded street lights in the parking lot are not shown).

 

How to help reduce light pollution in three steps, following recommendations from the AAS. Copyright American Institute of Physics