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Light pollution doesn’t just rob us of a star-filled night — it also disrupts wildlife, wastes energy, and impacts human health. But here’s the good news: we can fix it. In Colorado, communities, businesses, and individuals are already teaming up to protect our beautiful, dark sky. Read on for easy strategies and reasons why it matters, plus a reminder that the cosmos is far too spectacular to be drowned out by excessive lighting.
A Growing Issue — But One We Can Solve
A recent Washington Post editorial highlights a startling trend: Over the past decade, global light pollution has made the sky 10% brighter. That means a child could grow up spotting half as many stars by college as they once could.
Wildlife: Migratory birds lose their navigational cues. Pollinators and nocturnal creatures get disoriented.
Human Health: Our circadian rhythms depend on darkness. Excessive nighttime lighting can fuel insomnia, stress, and even obesity.
Energy Waste: Light that shoots into the sky, rather than where it’s needed, burns money and resources for zero benefit.
Yet it doesn’t take massive projects or big money to tackle this problem. As we’ll see, simple changes to outdoor lighting can go a long way toward restoring the wonders of the night sky.
Shielded Lights & Smarter Bulbs
1. Point Lights Downward
One major culprit is fixtures that shine upward. Shield lights so beams only illuminate walkways, not the sky. You’ll increase efficiency and reduce glare.
2. Use Warm, Low-Intensity LEDs
Opt for amber or warm-toned LEDs rather than harsh white or blue. Blue-hued light scatters more, causing skyglow and affecting nocturnal animals and human sleep patterns. Lower-intensity bulbs are energy-friendly and kinder to wildlife.
3. Adopt Motion Sensors & Timers
Those floodlights don’t need to be on all night. Motion sensors switch on only when needed, saving electricity and preserving stars. Timers and dimmers also help.
Busting the Security Myth
Some believe that constant brightness deters crime. Research, however, often shows the opposite:
Bright lighting can embolden trespassers, letting them see what they’re doing.
Motion-activated lights startle intruders and clue neighbors in on unusual activity.
24/7 lights can suggest no one’s home to turn them off.
It’s a win-win: You enhance security and reduce your power bill.
Community Action for the Dark Sky
Team Up with Neighbors
One well-lit yard might not seem like a big deal, but entire neighborhoods of floodlights wipe out stars for miles. Encourage neighbors to switch out or shield their fixtures. Host a star party to show them what they’re missing!
Check Local Ordinances
Many Colorado communities — including Boulder — have laws on how bright or high outdoor lights can be. If you see glaring lights or unshielded fixtures violating these rules, contact your city or county. A simple report can spur changes.
Dark Sky Financial Incentives
At AstroTours.org, we’ve offered cost-sharing deals to help folks afford shielded, motion-sensor, or low-intensity lighting solutions. These upgrades often pay for themselves in energy savings and fewer bulb replacements. If you update your lights to ones that better protect our sky we are willing to give 1/2 of what you spent off one of our tours up to 42$ (if you spend 84$ or more in updating your lights to be more Dark Sky friendly we will give you one free astro tour) {expires 5/1/2025}
Why It Matters
Conserve Energy: Lower bills and fewer carbon emissions.
Protect Ecosystems: Birds, insects, and nocturnal mammals thrive under naturally dark nights.
Improve Health: Proper darkness is vital to human circadian rhythms.
Preserve Our Heritage: Colorado’s star-studded skies are part of our cultural identity and a source of endless inspiration.
If we can’t see the Milky Way, we lose a piece of who we are — but by turning off unnecessary lights, we can reignite that connection.
Join the Movement
No matter where you are in Colorado:
Upgrade Your Bulbs: Choose warm or amber LEDs, and make sure fixtures are fully shielded.
Use Motion Sensors & Timers: The best lights are those that operate efficiently and only when truly needed.
Report Violations: Help local authorities keep tabs on glaring lights that break municipal codes.
Seek Dark Skies: Learn more about local dark-sky initiatives like DarkSky International or check out the Colorado Dark Sky Places for top viewing spots.
For additional tips on eco-friendly stargazing, explore our post on Earth’s Moon: A Loyal Companion and Celestial Wonder. Seeing how the Moon’s phases interact with carefully managed night lighting is a fantastic reminder that small changes can have a big cosmic impact.
Let the Stars Shine
Light pollution is a man-made issue, which means it’s 100% solvable. By being mindful of our lighting — aiming it downward, using lower intensities, and switching off when not needed — we can bring back the awe-inspiring night sky that’s guided and comforted humanity for millennia.
Join us in safeguarding Colorado’s stars. Let’s keep the spirit of nighttime wonder alive for today’s explorers and tomorrow’s dreamers.
Clear skies and happy stargazing!
