Dark Sky Engineering Part2 : Using Lighting Design to Fight Light Pollution
Light pollution disrupts ecosystems and blocks our view of the stars. Learn how Power Projects ethos to Dark Sky Engineering creates sustainable lighting for dark sky parks, reserves, and sanctuaries.
What is Light Pollution?
Most people do not consider light to be a source of pollution. After all, it runs cities, maintains street safety, and aids in nighttime vision. Artificial lighting throws off the natural order of things, though, when it goes beyond what is required. We term this light pollution.
Fundamentally, light pollution is the overuse of artificial outdoor illumination aimed incorrectly. It washes out stars, brightens the night sky, and influences wildlife in ways most of us never know. Unlike air or water pollution, it leaves no hazardous waste behind, yet its effects are nevertheless significant—especially for nocturnal species and those dependent on a natural night environment.
The Different Forms of Light Pollution
Light pollution transcends mere brightness. It manifests in numerous ways, each having ramifications:
Sky Glow: The too-strong artificial light flooding the heavens above towns and cities, therefore negating natural darkness.
Glare: Glare is strong, uncontrolled light that could compromise vision and create visual discomfort.
Light Trespass: Light trespassing—that is, light pouring into places like bedrooms where it is neither desired or necessary—from streetlights.
Clutter: Often found in metropolitan areas or commercial districts, clutter is an overflow of brilliant, competing lights.
Every one of these causes disturbances far beyond human awareness that help to artificially brighten the night.
How Does Light Pollution Affect the Environment?
Many species thrive only in natural darkness. Artificial light throws off navigation, sleep, even reproduction.
Birds: Millions of migrating birds perish annually from artificial lights confusing them. Until tired, they run across buildings or circles in uncertainty.
Sea Turtles: Hatchlings of sea turtles locate the ocean under the moon. Artificial lights from streets and hotels overwhelm natural light, which often points in the incorrect direction—usually toward danger.
Insects: Many insects—including pollinators and fireflies—depend on natural darkness for existence. Artificial lighting disturbs their natural behavior, which reduces population.
Individuals are not immune either…
How Dark Sky Parks and Reserves Are Fighting Light Pollution?
Special places where outside illumination is meticulously controlled to protect the night sky are dark sky parks and reserves. These locations not only offer an amazing perspective of the sky but also shield nearby species from the negative consequences of too strong artificial light. Careful selection of colour temperature is considered as well as robust analysis of required light levels.
Working with local government, companies, and conservation groups, Power Projects dark sky engineering solutions for lighting systems create pathways, awareness and high standards blend lighting and dark sky initiatives.