What is light pollution?

Monarchs on the move: Why dark skies matter

Light Pollution

Few sights in nature rival the breathtaking spectacle of monarch butterflies, their vibrant orange wings fluttering gracefully across continents …

March 31, 2025

Building dark sky connections with Michelle Wooten

Light Pollution

When you first enter the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, most people’s attention is drawn to the elephant …

March 12, 2025

Exploring “Lights Out”: The Smithsonian’s special exhibit on reclaiming the night

Astronomy

When you first enter the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, most people’s attention is drawn to the elephant …

January 17, 2025

Reflecting on Under One Sky 2024: A global gathering to protect the night

Astronomy

Under One Sky 2024 was our largest and most impactful global conference to date!

November 21, 2024

Causes of light pollution

Resources

Light pollution is a problem, but there’s no single country, group, or industry to blame. Instead, it’s a result …

July 31, 2023

Effects of light pollution

Resources

Light pollution negatively affects…

October 13, 2023

What is light pollution?

Resources

Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. When we over-light, fail to …

October 4, 2024

Solutions to light pollution

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Light pollution is harming our environment, wildlife habitats, and our quality of life. All around us, this unintended pollutant …

July 24, 2023

Natural darkness and human well-being

Light Pollution

With the rise of artificial light at night, our natural rhythms are being disrupted—while more research is needed, these …

November 17, 2025

Light pollution reduces our night sky heritage

Effects of light pollution

The nighttime environment is a precious natural resource for all life on Earth, but the glow of uncontrolled outdoor …

October 17, 2023

Outdoor lighting at night doesn’t do what you think it does to reduce crime and increase safety

Effects of light pollution

There is no clear scientific evidence that increased outdoor lighting deters crimes. It may make us feel safer, but …

October 17, 2023

Light pollution wastes energy and money and damages the climate

Effects of light pollution

Lighting levels that are higher than necessary and light that shines when and where it’s not needed is wasteful. …

October 17, 2023