What Are They Thinking?

Does this look like a problem to you? We certainly hope so. This shot was taken on October 10th, 2004 from an airplane on final approach into Newark, NJ. Examine the image... what do you notice first? Lights as far as the eye can see. Lights which are visible to passengers in airplanes.... lights that are visible to astronauts in the International Space Station.... lights that are wasting millions of dollars annually (tens of billions of dollars if you look globally)

What in the world are they  trying to accomplish? It's not really evident from the image. Generally, you hear people associating lighting with security. The truth is... the vast majority of people know very little about proper lighting... and less about using lights for security. Lets assume for a moment that turning a light on makes you safer at night (it doesn't, but... lets assume that it does for a moment). What possible benefit could be expected from allowing large percentages of the light to escape into the sky? It seems safe to say....that any of the light directly visible to passengers in an airplane is not providing one ounce of security to the light owners. So, what are they getting? Well... higher utility bills for starters...reduced air quality for another... dwindling energy resources...devastated eco-systems... threats to the health of humans and nocturnal creatures... skies devoid of stars. Checkout "The Darker Side of Light" for more information on the negative impact of improper lighting.

Think this is just a Newark, NJ problem? Think again. Examples of improper lighting can be seen all around us... even right here in Park City :(

It's not rocket science folks... a little bit of thought goes a long way. By following a few simple suggestions, you can be part of the solution... instead of the problem. 

• Use only full cutoff fixtures. These direct light to the ground where its needed... and prevent it from going anywhere else.
• Reduce the wattage of bulbs used in your fixtures. The human eye is remarkable adapted to the night... blinding it with bright, glaring lights can actually reduce visibility.
• Turn off lights when you're out of the area. I know I probably sound like your father... perhaps he was on to something ;-)
• Replace automatic timers with motion sensors. This will give you light when and where you need it only... and.. you'll save considerably on your utility bills in the process.

Checkout the Light Pollution Section of the Utah Skies website at www.UtahSkies.org for more information on the harmful effects of improper lighting or for ideas on how to improve your lighting. Please contact us with any questions you may have.

Want more information?

Checkout Residential Lights - Out of Control?  A Utah Skies editorial on the state of today's residential lighting