Dark Sky Friendly Lighting
Our line of Dark Sky friendly luminaires provide directed lighting while minimizing light pollution. These fixtures may include dimming or full cutoff and accessories like shields to minimize overlighting and restrict backlight, glare, and uplight. They also have an output option down to 3000K or lower to reduce blue light wavelengths in nighttime environments. We have a large selection across many types of outdoor lighting for area, pathway, and building exteriors.
How Do Light Fixtures Affect Light Pollution?
Poorly placed or designed light fixtures will cause light pollution, which can have adverse effects on humans, wildlife, and the environment. Light pollution can disrupt circadian rhythms, increase carbon footprint, shine onto private properties, and more. However, installing lights only where needed and with enough brightness to sufficiently illuminate the area will minimize the risk of light pollution in communities. Our Dark Sky Friendly light fixtures are constructed specifically to reduce unnecessary light spread and glare.
Looking for Turtle-Friendly lighting specifically?
Each of our fixtures emits amber light at a wavelength of 560nm or above to minimize the ecological impact on coastal wildlife while still providing enough illumination for nighttime use.
What Are the Lighting Principles for Dark Sky Friendly Fixtures?
To ensure a fixture is considered ‘Dark Sky Friendly,’ it should meet the following criteria:
Don’t Overdo It
Fixtures should only be placed in areas requiring light, and the minimum number of fixtures should be installed. They should also emit minimal lumens to reduce overlighting. Ensure lights are only on when necessary by installing motion sensors and a timer.
Avoid Cool-Toned Lights
Cool and neutral CCTs should be avoided. Using a warm CCT or amber color will ensure the lights provide enough visibility while not causing glare or eyestrain. Compared to white artificial lights, LED amber lights are less likely to be confused for moonlight by wildlife animals.
Focus the Light Downward
Fixtures should be focused downwards to eliminate the risk of uplight and should only be focused where needed. Fully cut-off or shielded lights will provide reduced light spread. Fixtures should be mounted at 0 degrees to prevent light trespass into homes or businesses.
Benefits of Using Dark Sky Friendly Lighting
Many groups will benefit from Dark Sky Friendly fixtures and reduced light pollution.
Wildlife
Light pollution can hinder an animal's ability to hunt, evade predators, or return to its natural habitat. Birds use moonlight to navigate when flying, but light pollution can disorient them and cause them to crash into buildings. Studies show that ⅓ of insects that find artificial light won’t survive. Nocturnal animals in general will also be greatly affected by this. Artificial lighting disturbs their circadian rhythm and makes it difficult to hunt.
Humans
Complete darkness during nighttime regulates sleep schedules and improves your mood. Dark Sky communities reduce the risk of intrusive light trespass in homes or businesses. Limiting the available night sky increases your risk of health issues, such as anxiety, fatigue, diabetes, and more.
Astrotourism
Astrotourism involves being interested in and viewing space and celestial objects, but it’s difficult to do so in areas affected by light pollution. Dark Sky Friendly Lighting benefits places and communities that want to increase their outdoor tourism appeal and advertise themselves to individuals interested in astrotourism.
