A dark sky is something communities can help protect.
The photographThe glow of Los Angeles seen at night from Mount Whitney in Sequoia National Park. NPS / Ben Banet • Los Angeles skyglow from Mount Whitney
The story
Artificial light scattered in the atmosphere creates skyglow. It reduces the contrast between faint stars and their background.
Outdoor lighting serves useful purposes. The question is how to direct it where it is needed while limiting unwanted light.
For your curious sideGo DeeperMore to notice. More to try.
Three ways into the story
See what else you can discover.
01Look closer
Three different problems
Glare shines uncomfortably into the eye. Light trespass spills into an unintended space. Skyglow brightens the atmosphere above us.
02Connect the dots
A fair discussion
A path, a sports field, and a bedroom window have different needs. Good questions start with the purpose of each light.
03Keep wondering
Investigate
How could you compare star visibility without confusing the effects of clouds and lighting?
You do not need to have every answer. A good question is a great place to start.