Overview

LIGHT POLLUTION, caused by poorly designed outdoor light fixtures, isn't just a nuisance for stargazers, amateur and professional. It also wastes energy and money and actually compromises individual safety.

Even though nighttime outdoor lighting is an important controllable aspect of our environment, it is not well understood. Most outdoor lighting decisions are made without any knowledge of the physiology of human vision, sound illumination engineering principles, light fixture alternatives, or life cycle costs. Therefore, poor quality outdoor lighting is seen everywhere in our community, particularly in the commercial and residential sectors. Poor quality lighting results in the following problems: glare, light trespass, uplight, overlighting, and energy waste. Let's examine these five areas.