Resources
Explore DarkSky’s library of resources
DarkSky offers a growing library of educational resources and tools designed to help you better understand the causes and impacts of light pollution, as well as the solutions that can help restore and protect the nighttime environment.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore this issue or looking to deepen your expertise, these resources are designed to help you become a more informed advocate for the night and empower others through education, awareness, and action.
Looking for an answer to a specific question? Visit the DarkSky FAQ for quick answers about our programs, resources, membership, and more.
Light pollution
Understanding the causes and impacts of light pollution
Learn about the causes and impacts of light pollution on the nighttime environment, including its effects on wildlife, community safety and well-being, cultural heritage, and more.
What is light pollution?
Understand what light pollution is, what causes it, and how it affects the nighttime environment.
Wildlife and ecosystems
Explore how artificial light disrupts migration, pollination, feeding behavior, reproduction, and entire ecosystems.
Human well-bing
Discover the growing evidence connecting darkness, healthy circadian rhythms, and human well-being.
Climate, energy and resources
Learn how excessive, unnecessary lighting wastes energy and has significant economic and environmental impacts.
Safety and security
Explore the science of lighting and public safety, including common misconceptions about darkness and crime.
Culture heritage and knowledge
Discover why the natural night sky is a shared human heritage and why it is becoming increasingly unfamiliar to new generations.
Educate and inspire: Share DarkSky outreach materials with your community
Explore brochures, posters, postcards, and outreach resources that help communicate the impacts of light pollution, promote DarkSky’s mission, and inspire others to protect the night.
Lighting solutions
Explore solutions and actions to reduce light pollution
Discover how the Five Principles of Responsible Outdoor Lighting provide a proven framework for reducing light pollution, and explore practical solutions that can be implemented around your home and in your community.
Five principles of responsible outdoor lighting
Learn how the Five Principles provide a foundation for reducing light pollution and can be applied by anyone, anywhere.
Find DarkSky Approved lighting
Explore DarkSky Approved products for your home, business, or community that meet our highest standards.
Home Outdoor Lighting Assessment
Evaluate the lighting around your home and discover practical ways to improve lighting quality and reduce light pollution.
Business Outdoor Lighting Assessment
COMING SOON – Assess the lighting around your business and explore strategies for becoming a better steward of the night.
Guidance for Homeowners Associations (HOAs)
Explore model guidance for establishing responsible outdoor lighting through HOA covenants and community standards.
DarkSky community lighting codes
Discover model lighting ordinances and resources to help communities implement responsible outdoor lighting policies.
Guidance for renters
Learn about practical actions renters can take to improve outdoor lighting around their home or complex.
My neighbor’s lighting: What can I do?
Explore resources for addressing nuisance lighting and having productive conversations with neighbors.
Find DarkSky Approved light fixtures for our home or business!
Through DarkSky’s independent certification program, we recognize outdoor lighting products that meet our standards for responsible outdoor lighting and help protect the night.
Light Science
The science of light pollution: Research, measurement tools, and additional resources
Successful advocacy is rooted in evidence. Access scientific research, data, educational resources, and community science tools to support responsible outdoor lighting practices and build informed, effective advocacy and outreach efforts.
DarkSky’s State of the Science report
Explore the State of the Science report, a comprehensive review of the current scientific understanding of artificial light at night and its effects on our world.
Artificial Light at Night: Research database
Browse scientific literature on artificial light at night (ALAN) through a collaborative database from DarkSky and the Loss of the Night Network.
DarkSky’s research hub
Access scientific research, data, and publications on light pollution and responsible outdoor lighting through the DarkSky Research Hub.
Measuring light pollution
Solving light pollution requires data. Explore the many ways to measure night sky brightness and contribute to research and conservation efforts.
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.
Glossary of dark sky terms
Use our glossary to better understand the language of light pollution science and research.
Education
Educate and inspire: Share DarkSky outreach materials with your community
Explore educational materials, publications, outreach tools, and other resources designed to help you share DarkSky’s mission, raise awareness about light pollution, and inspire action to protect the night.
DarkSky outreach materials
Find outreach and educational materials—including brochures, posters, postcards—to teach others about DarkSky’s mission and programs to protect the night.
Resources for educators
Browse scientific literature on artificial light at night (ALAN) through a collaborative database from DarkSky and the Loss of the Night Network.
DarkSky’s monthly newsletter
Access scientific research, data, and publications on light pollution and responsible outdoor lighting through the DarkSky Research Hub.
Nightscape magazine
Solving light pollution requires data. Explore the many ways to measure night sky brightness and contribute to research and conservation efforts.
DarkSky’s annual reports
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.
Glossary of dark sky terms
Use our glossary to better understand the language of light pollution science and research.
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!
