Light From Above

'Stellar' Quotes Throughout History

Throughout history, the night sky has inspired writers of poetry literature and song, infusing people with a sense of wonder and spirituality around the world. Assembled here are some of the great works that mention the splendor of the heavens. Please send us your contributions to this continually growing list of quotes.

Featured Quote

"Sirius, the brightest star in the heavens.... My grandfather would say we're part of something incredibly wonderful - more marvelous than we imagine. My grandfather would say we ought to go out and look at it once in a while so we don't lose our place in it." -- Robert Fulghum

This view, rarely seen from urbanized areas, could be your reward. The solution to Light Pollution begins with your own home and your pleine lune aout. When choosing lighting for your home, be considerate of your neighbors. Properly shielded lighting will prevent Light Pollution (e.g. glare, light trespass and sky glow) resulting in a safer and more enjoyable night time environment for everyone.

Light From Above - Statement of Purpose

Light is meant to illuminate the ground where we walk or drive.
So why is it that so much light can be seen from overhead?

Because it is not properly or effectively directed.

Light Pollution -Improperly directed outdoor lighting that results in wasted energy, glare and sky glow.
Light Pollution has an effect on many aspects of life, including:

Driving Safety
Pedestrian Safety
Energy Efficiency
Household Security
The Environment

Please contact us if you would like to know how you can make lighting improvements on your own property with little or no expense and a small investment of time.
We strive to educate people on the problems associated with light pollution. We promote the use of energy efficient lighting and a desire to improve our nighttime environment for the good of everyone.

Apply The Principle of 'AEIOU'

Awareness
Environment
Indoors
Outdoors
U(You) "Awareness of Environment, Indoors and Outdoors, begins with U(You)."

We can all be a part of the solution by becoming aware of how we effect our surroundings and how our surroundings effect us.

Resources

Light Pollution Awareness Sites

IDA - International DarkSky Association

IDA Sections

National DarkSky Week Website
LiPAW - Light Pollution Awareness Website

NELPAG - The New England Light Pollution Advisory Group

IAU Commission 50 Working Group on "Controlling Light Pollution"

Lighting Manufacturers

The Glarebuster - Full Cutoff Lighting Solution for Any Home or Business

Government & State Agencies

USGS - U.S. Geological Survey

Featured Page

Assessing the Impact of Urban Sprawl on Soil Resources in the United States
Using Nighttime "City Lights" Satellite Images and Digital Soils Maps

Vermont Agency of Natural Resources

Take Action

State Level Action
The following states have LP legislation pending.

Arkansas

House Bill 1282 - THE NIGHT SKY PROTECTION ACT.
(This link downloads a PDF of the bill, to view it you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Locate and Contact your Arkansas Senator
Locate and Contact your Arkansas Representative Connecticut

House Bill 5024 - AN ACT REDUCING OUTDOOR LIGHT POLLUTION AT STATE BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES. (Statement of Purpose: To reduce state spending and energy consumption, reduce light pollution and glare, and help restore the night sky.)

Locate and Contact your Connecticut Legislator

Indiana

House Bill 1939 - OUTDOOR LIGHTING POLLUTION CONTROL. REGULATES OUTDOOR LIGHTING. ESTABLISHES A DIVISION OF OUTDOOR LIGHT POLLUTION CONTROL. MAKES A VIOLATION OF THE OUTDOOR LIGHTING POLLUTION CONTROL LAW A CLASS B INFRACTION.

Locate and Contact your Indiana Legislator

New York

A6950 and S3003 - THE HEALTHY, SAFE, AND ENERGY EFFICIENT OUTDOOR LIGHTING ACT HAS BEEN INTRODUCED BY ASSEMBLYMAN ALEXNDER "PETE" GRANNIS AND SENATOR CARL MARCALLINO. THE BILLS ARE KNOWN AS A6950 IN THE ASSEMBLY AND S3003 IN THE SENATE.

Locate and Contact your New York Legislator

Utah

S.C.R. 1 - RESOLUTION URGING LIGHT POLLUTION PREVENTION

Locate and Contact your Utah Legislator

Vermont

House Bill 0099 - ESTABLISHING GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Locate and Contact your Vermont Senator
Locate and Contact your Vermont Representative
Local Town Action

Is light pollution being dismissed as a "Non-Issue" in your town?

Often times, city officials will not take action against light pollution because they have not heard the negative effects voiced by the people in their town.

You can do your part to help. If you have a light that intrudes on your property or you would just like to see something done about the wasted light and energy that creates light pollution, take a moment to write a letter of concern to your town planner. Every voice is a vote against light pollution and a step toward a more sustainable future.

Here are some suggestions how you and your town can improve outdoor lighting:

Minimizing Light Pollution: A Checklist for Action
(From BuildingGreen.com - Environmental Building News)

National Government Action

USA

Progress toward reform begins with awareness. You can do your part to help raise awareness of the problems associated with Light Pollution. One way to help spread the word and take action is by contacting your Congressperson. Express your desire to see Light Pollution addressed on a national level. You will be helping to save energy and work toward a more sustainable future. In turn our view of the night sky will be preserved and a more enjoyable night time environment will be created for everyone.

Locate Your Congressperson
in the U.S. House of Representatives
(Through this link you can both locate and write to your representative online)

Anti Light Pollution Petition

"Support legislation and an active policy by the UK Government
and Parliament to combat light pollution."

Sign the Petition Here

We are always looking for information on current proposed Light Pollution legislation at a state level or local ordinances at a town or city level. In order for these types of proposals to be adopted they need widespread support. If you know of a city or state that is working to promote LP reform, please write to us. We will post contact information here so that individuals will be able write letters and e-mails showing their support.