Category: Effects of light pollution | DarkSky International

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

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

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

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

A man at night, nearly hidden in the glare of a park light.

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

A mountain lion at night, with the city lights of Los Angeles in the background.

Light pollution harms wildlife and ecosystems

Resources

For billions of years, all life has relied on Earth’s predictable rhythm of day and night. It’s encoded in …

November 13, 2023