Resources

Materials for public outreach

Materials for educators

Download and distribute these free brochures, cards, infographics, videos, and more.

March 24, 2026

Measuring light pollution

Get involved

Solving light pollution requires measuring the brightness of the night sky. Learn how — become a community scientist!

July 21, 2023

Street lighting

Light Pollution

Streetlights can cause light trespass — light that falls where it’s not intended, wanted, or needed.

August 19, 2025

My neighbor’s lighting

Resources

Many of us have experienced this scenario: A neighbor installs a new light fixture on their property. It’s unshielded …

August 22, 2023

“Losing the Dark”

Resources

Losing the Dark is a short planetarium show and video on light pollution, available as a free download in …

July 24, 2023

Dark sky friendly outdoor lighting for policy makers

Advancing responsible outdoor lighting

In an average year in the U.S. alone, outdoor lighting uses about 380 terawatt-hours of energy, mostly to illuminate …

August 30, 2023

Responsible outdoor lighting

Resources

Too often, outdoor electric lighting installations at night are over lit, are left on when not needed, and are …

August 11, 2023

Natural darkness and human well-being

Effects of light pollution

With the rise of artificial light at night, our natural rhythms are being disrupted—while more research is needed, these …

November 17, 2025

Light pollution reduces our night sky heritage

Effects of light pollution

The nighttime environment is a precious natural resource for all life on Earth, but the glow of uncontrolled outdoor …

October 17, 2023

Outdoor lighting at night doesn’t do what you think it does to reduce crime and increase safety

Effects of light pollution

There is no clear scientific evidence that increased outdoor lighting deters crimes. It may make us feel safer, but …

October 17, 2023

Light pollution wastes energy and money and damages the climate

Effects of light pollution

Lighting levels that are higher than necessary and light that shines when and where it’s not needed is wasteful. …

October 17, 2023

Sea turtle conservation

Resources

Hatchling sea turtles often head for brightly illuminated roads and human habitats instead of the ocean.

July 23, 2023