Embedded Files
To love the night sky, we have to SEE the night sky. Contrary to popular belief, it's not always necessary to escape to deep rural skies to experience the night sky. We can see planets, double star systems, the moon, and even some brighter nebulae from urban locations, with careful application of dark sky principles. YOU can be part of the solution! See the 5 Principles for Responsible Lighting and other information below and on the Dark Sky International website.
Residential Lighting Guidance: Information from the Dark Sky International about to conduct your own home lighting audit and do your part to reduce light pollution.
Glare and Glow
Glare and Glow
Light pollution has two components - Glare and Glow
Glare is light that shines directly into your eyes, causing your pupils to contract so that you see less of your surroundings. For stargazing, this means you won't see as much detail on planets and you may not be able see many deep sky objects (galaxies and nebulae) at all. Even in a city like Tallahassee, which has made great stride to provide dark-sky friendly street lights and commercial lighting, the glare from your own lights or a neighbors light will prevent you from seeing as much in the night sky. If you can prevent or avoid glare, you will see much more, even if you live in town.
Glow is light that is reflected back to earth by moisture in air, dust, and the atmosphere itself. It is caused by wasted light that escapes upward through poorly-designed light fixtures, uplighted landscape lights, and sometimes even moonlight!
Page updated
Report abuse