Light pollution is one of the most obvious forms of economic and environmental waste. We see it every night in the form of bright orange blobs of light in the sky. This light obscures views of the night sky and reduces enjoyment of the wonders of the heavens. Research has shown that excessive light at night has a negative biological effect on animals and humans.

The Night Sky Conservation (NSC) program mission is to implement effective light pollution reduction measures by providing practical lighting strategies, educating the public and businesses about responsible lighting practices, and fostering an appreciation of the night sky through high-calibre astronomy education. The NSC strives to conserve our natural environment, improve the splendour of the night skies, and reduce electricity consumption and costs.

Astronomy Courses

Instilling an appreciation of the night sky comes from showcasing what dark skies have to offer. General astronomy courses at the Mill of Kintail explain and illustrate the fascinating characteristics of the night sky from star gazing to constellation identification to experiencing special celestial events.

More Info for Spring 2012 Courses in The Millstone -- Instructor Pat Browne's series of 5 lectures for publication (one added each second Friday in the Millstone in the weeks leading up to the April 13 course start date). Pat is a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, a resident of Mississippi Mills and part of the Night Sky Conservation team of the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority.

LIGHT POLLUTION 

Since the early  20th century, humans have been using electric lighting to light our streets, homes, and businesses. Little notice was taken to where the lighting was  being directed.Some light continues to be directed beyon d the target of interest  and up into the night sky where it reflects off particles in our atmosphere.  

The waste d lighting  costs money. It is more economical if lighting is exlusively focused on the subjects of interest rather than spilling into areas where it is not required.  Light pollution is a contamination of lighting our night sky, washing out the more faint celestial objects. In some cities, light pollution is so bad that sometimes even the brightest stars are washed out.

Light pollution is the easiest type of pollution to clean up. All it takes is switching off light sources that are unnecessary, insta lling cut off caps on street lights and security lights and lowering the power (wattage) of the lights themselves. This saves everyone money, reduces the strain on our power grid, and helps to restore the splendour of the night sky to everyone.

Causes of Light Pollution

Misdirected Lighting
Streetlights, security lights and billboard lights are often the main culprits. Although these lights do light up their intended tagets, they also spill out, up, down, and around them. Light pollution in this case is caused by the light being directed above and beyond the target and up into the nigfht sky.

Improper Lighting Cutoff
Some lighting fixtures are actually designed such that light escapes directly upwards and into the night sky . A simple lighting cutoff cap placed over the offending light will not only block the light that would normally head upwards into space, but also reflect some of the light back to the intended target, thus minimizing the need for high power lighting.

Excessive Powerful (high wattage) Lighting
Some lighting is just too excessive.

Unnecessary LightingSome lighting is not necessary. The next time you turn on a light at night, ask yourself  "Is this light really doing anything constructive?
Is this light really worth the extra money in electricity I am paying? Do I really need these lights to be on all night or should motion sensors be used."

What can I do?

Examples of Dark Sky Friendly Lighting

Light pollution is caused by anyone who uses electric lighting...most of us. You can help to reduce light pollution on your property, in your neighbourhood, and in your municipality:

Switch off unnecessary outdoor lighting
Check around your property for signs of of wasteful lighting.

Reduce your Lighting Power
Look at the outdoor lights you need and ask yourself "Do I really need this much power to light up my property?"

Look at your neighbour's outdoor lights
Work with your neighbours to develop a light pollution abatement strategy on your street

Look at the streetlights in your neighbourhood
Observe how much light is heading downward at the street and how much light is heading up into space.

Check out security lighting in your town or cityIf you see a large bright light halo or dome surrounding the installation, then it is likely that some of that powerful lighting is making its way into the night sky.

Observe your night sky
Do you see large blobs of orange-pink or blue-white light int he sky? You are looking at the sky reflecting wasted lighting. This is especially noticeable in an overcast sky where the clouds are very low (1000 foot ceiling or lower).

Contact Municipal Government Representative(s)
Street lights aren't going to fix themselves. It takes ordinary people to voice concern over this wasteful practice to help make a change.

Contact your Local Businesses