DarkSky NOVA, Northern Virginia's New DarkSky International Chapter

Written by Eileen Kragie

Light pollution is growing at twice the rate of the population, doubling every 8 years and in some places scientists predict NO stars will be visible in 20 years. We live in one of those places in Northern Virginia and the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

A new Northern Virginia chapter of DarkSky International, DarkSky NOVA, has been created to educate Northern Virginians about the effects and impact of light pollution in their lives and to work with local and regional governments, businesses, organizations and residents to stop and to reverse light pollution and light trespass.

While Virginia has the largest number of DarkSky International designated parks of any state east of the Mississippi, the Observatory at George Mason University is the largest on-campus observatory in the mid-Atlantic region and coming soon, Observatory Park at Turner Farm in Great Falls will join DarkSky International’s prestigious list of dark sky sites, we live with light pollution levels on par with Los Angeles and other large metropolitan cities.

Light pollution is the result of bad lighting: unshielded, misaimed, too many, too bright, too white and on all night.

Bad lighting is the result of human behavior and that behavior can be changed.

Its sources include building exterior and interior lighting, advertising, commercial properties, offices, factories, streetlights, and illuminated sporting venues.

Residential lighting is an increasing and rapidly growing problem particularly when it comes to neighbors’ lighting.

What are the effects of light pollution?

A growing body of evidence links the brightening night sky directly to measurable negative impacts on:

• Wildlife and ecosystems
• Human health
• Energy and climate change
• Crime and safety
• Night sky heritage

Even the smallest amount of light negatively affects our health and that of the nocturnal pollinators, fireflies, nocturnal creatures, and plants. Light pollution has been linked to cancers, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disorders, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and more.

Light pollution affects everyone, human and non-human alike. Fortunately, concern about light pollution is rising dramatically. A growing number of scientists, homeowners, environmental groups, and civic leaders are taking action to restore the natural night.

The good news is that light pollution, unlike many other forms of pollution, is reversible, and each one of us can make a difference. Just being aware that light pollution is a problem is not enough — we need to take action.

We can warm it, and dim it, and aim it down. Keep light out of the sky and put it on the ground. We can keep it out of our neighbor's windows and out of our parks.

We learned to be water wise. We can learn to light wisely. Let's stop wasting light. Light is energy, energy costs money. How much of your budget and tax dollars are being spent on wasted light?

To protect the night and stop light pollution and light trespass follow the Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Light at Night, jointly published by DarkSky International and the Illuminating Engineering Society.

Light where you need it, when you need it, in the amount needed, and no more. If light is deemed useful and necessary, follow these guidelines to prevent, or when that’s not possible, minimize light pollution.

Certify your home Dark Sky Friendly and encourage your neighbors and community (schools, businesses, governments, local and religious organizations) to do the same

Do you know if your home lighting is community and night sky friendly?

DarkSky International’s Home Lighting Assessment helps you identify problem lighting and solutions that can reduce light pollution. Most people will find that a few simple changes can lead to lighting that is both beautiful and functional, without contributing to excessive light pollution.

It is time to start thinking about your use of outdoor light at night and to use it responsibly, kindly and considerately.

Join DarkSky NOVA and do your part to protect, to preserve and to reclaim the night skies over Northern Virginia.