Category: What is light pollution? | DarkSky International

Monarch butterflies flying towards light.

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

Savannah Pobre at Lights Out Exhibition

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

Fireflies across a backdrop of star trails.

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

Person at night starring up at the Milky Way.

Darkness for Well-Being

About

If you’ve ever stood under the stars and taken a deep breath, you might have noticed the therapeutic effects …

August 23, 2024

Woman doing yoga silhouetted by the sunset.

Zen and the Stars with Mark Westmoquette

About

Astronomer, Zen Buddhist, author, and mindfulness teacher Mark Westmoquette shares how connecting with the night aids in well-being. Tell …

July 8, 2024

Milky Way over beach scene.

From the beach to the seafloor, light pollution interferes with marine life

Effects of light pollution

For World Oceans Day (June 8, 2024), we’d like to discuss the growing threat of light pollution to marine …

June 8, 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

Resources

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

July 24, 2023

Photos showing street lighting trespassing into people’s homes, a woman having trouble sleeping

Light pollution affects human health

Light Pollution

Research suggests that artificial light at night can negatively affect human health, increasing risks for obesity, depression, sleep disorders, …

October 5, 2023