The Benefits of Night Sky Lighting

Night sky lighting is designed to limit light pollution and glare, and it also helps people enjoy the night sky. Its main purpose is to keep light in the area of use, and not waste it elsewhere. Too much light is a waste of energy, driving up your electricity bills, and costing you countless extra dollars.

Cutoff fixtures reduce light pollution

Cutoff fixtures reduce light pollution in night sky illumination by restricting upward light distribution. This is important as light directed upward during the night can cause air pollution in the form of dust, smog, and moisture. A well-designed light fixture will have a full cutoff, which limits upward light distribution.

There are two main types of cutoff fixtures. A full cutoff prevents light from leaving the horizontal plane, whereas a semi-cutoff allows a small amount of light to escape into the sky. Both options still help reduce overall light pollution. For outdoor lighting, consider using only the lowest light levels necessary for the purpose.

The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) has been leading the way in the effort to reduce light pollution by promoting a dark sky environment. The organization estimates that excessive lighting during the night releases 12 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, the most damaging greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. If we were to plant 702 million trees to absorb the carbon dioxide emitted by this wasted light, we would save a whopping three billion dollars each year.

To reduce light pollution, outdoor lighting fixtures should be covered by a solid cap. This will keep light focused on the area that needs it and minimize light pollution. Also, motion sensors are an excellent way to combat light pollution by turning fixtures off when no one is nearby. These sensors also help reduce waste-related light pollution.

Many cities and states are taking action to reduce light pollution in the night sky. Some have implemented regulations for full cutoff fixtures in telescope areas. Using these fixtures in such areas will reduce light pollution without affecting telescopes and other light-sensitive devices. Another example is Florida, where amber-colored fixtures are mandated in order to protect sea turtles.

Another method to minimize light pollution is by installing dark sky compliant outdoor lighting. By doing so, dark-sky compliant lighting fixtures will allow you to view the stars without distortion and reduce the effects of unnatural light pollution. Dark sky lighting not only reduces light pollution but also improves the quality of exterior illumination.

The IDA recommends lighting with a color temperature of 3000 Kelvins or below. This way, you can avoid any blue light that will disturb the night sky. You can even purchase blue-blocking glasses or apps for your electronic devices that use screens. However, these devices will not protect you from all sources of blue light.

A major factor in light pollution is the type of light that is being produced. Light temperature is measured in degrees Kelvin (K). Yellow light has a low temperature (3,000K), while cool blue light has a higher temperature (4,000K). These two colors have different effects on the environment. For example, blue light has been linked to eye health issues, while red light does not disturb nocturnal animals.

Light pollution is a serious issue. It can damage the night sky and disrupt the natural circadian rhythms of animals and plants. It also affects human health and safety. A lot of outdoor lighting emits light upward and sideways, which scatters light in the night sky.

Cutoff fixtures reduce light pollution by reducing uplight and glare. They are pole-mounted and designed to keep wattage below 250 watts. In addition, you can install a motion sensor that will reduce light pollution. This type of outdoor lighting fixture is used in parking lots and uniform area lighting.

They reduce glare

Night sky lighting can be an effective way to improve lighting by reducing glare. Glare is caused by exposure to a large amount of uncontrolled light. It can be disabling and uncomfortable. The sensitivity to glare differs between people, and the problem may be more severe in older adults. Thankfully, there are many ways to reduce glare.

First, you should choose lighting that directs light downward instead of upward. This will reduce glare and help people see better at night. Light that is focused upwards can obscure the stars. Choose LED lights with a low color temperature or an amber hue. These are more effective than warm white or lower kelvin white LEDs.

The second way to reduce glare is to dim lights. Bright lights can cause poor visibility and even harm people. For example, glare lights can cause problems with digestion and can increase the risk of health problems. In addition, too much light can also make people less safe, since it causes harsh shadows and gives criminals an easy place to hide. However, there have been few studies to suggest that night sky lighting can make a significant difference in traffic accidents.

Artificial light at night has also been linked to negative impacts on wildlife. Artificial light interferes with the natural rhythms of birds and other creatures. It also prevents their ability to find dark beaches. Furthermore, artificial light can interfere with the natural cycle of melatonin production, which helps humans sleep well at night. The lack of sleep can lead to a variety of health problems.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://yardworship.com/how-to-use-effects-lighting-in-your-photography-and-filmmaking/