Alert:
The Light Pollution Monitoring Kit, also known as the Dark Skies Kit, empowers citizens to take action against light pollution by providing them with the tools needed to measure and monitor light levels in their communities. Starting April 2, 25 Light Pollution Monitoring Kits will be available as part of FCPL's Library of Things. Kits can be placed on hold for pickup at any branch through the Fairfax County Public Library online catalog and can be borrowed for up to three weeks.
Skyglow is the brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas.
Glare is excessive brightening that causes visual discomfort.
Light trespass is light falling where it is not intended or needed.
Proper night sky friendly lighting lowers CO2 emission and lowers energy costs. Dark sky practices prevent the wasted energy of light shining where it is not needed or wanted.
Artificial light at night has multiple negative human health impacts: blue light at night disrupts a human’s circadian rhythm and suppresses melatonin secretion.
Bright light does not increase safety! Rather, the placement, color and shielding of light needs to be done wisely to ensure safe perception of space.
Dark skies are vital for keeping plants and animals safe in their natural environment. Nocturnal animals are adapted to the darkness and lose their way in artificial light. Nocturnal pollinators avoid lights and those that don’t get eaten. Plants use light as a calendar so artificial light at night causes plants to leaf when they should flower and reduces crop production. Some varieties of strawberry need the dark to produce fruit.
Click image to download accessible PDF.
