In most cases we automatically shield a light source from view so that we may see the foreground clearly. We dim our car headlights for approaching vehicles. We wear hats or sunglasses in the sun. We use lamp shades on desk lamps. In the year 2014, NASA plans to launch a space based observatory called the Terrestrial Planet Finder, which will search for small planets by blocking the light of the parent sun. Why then, do we not automatically shield outdoor security lights?
DarkSky Virginia advocates for responsible, community-friendly outdoor lighting and the protection and restoration of Virginia’s night skies and nightscapes.
As the Virginia Chapter of DarkSky International we align with DarkSky’s mission: to restore the nighttime environment and protect communities from the harmful effects of light pollution through outreach, advocacy, and conservation.
Laura Greenleaf has co-led or led DarkSky Virginia since 2012. You can contact her at: virginia@darksky.org