Understanding Dark Sky Lighting
Modern society requires outdoor lighting for safety and commerce. The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) recognizes this necessity but advocates for responsible lighting use to minimize the harmful effects of light pollution. To achieve this, outdoor lighting should:
- Be used only when needed
- Illuminate only the area that requires light
- Be no brighter than necessary
- Minimize blue light emissions
- Eliminate upward-directed light
What is Dark Sky?
The Dark Sky lighting concept began in the 1950s in Flagstaff, AZ, also known as Dark Sky City. Over 50 years of development have led to significant success, inspiring other cities to take light pollution more seriously. The movement started when local astronomers were concerned that sky glow from nearby cities would eventually obscure the stars. This concern prompted research into the effects of artificial light, revealing potential long-term consequences if not addressed promptly. Thus, the Dark Sky Lighting initiative was born.
The goal of the Dark Sky movement is to reduce light pollution by using efficient, non-wasteful light sources. The IDA promotes the use of full cutoff fixtures and other solutions that minimize glare, along with the implementation of timers on outdoor lighting to reduce operating times and save energy.
Dark Sky Compliant Fixtures
To identify Dark Sky compliant fixtures, look for the IDA badge on the packaging or the light source itself. If unsure, compare your light against the following compliant features:
Compliant Features:
- Full cutoff fixtures
- Fully shielded outdoor lights
- Flush-mounted fixtures
- Side-shielded under-canopy fixtures
- Low color temperatures of 3,000K or lower
- Fixtures that can be dimmed or set on timers
Non-compliant Features:
- Short wavelength lights (blue lights)
- Unshielded or poorly shielded fixtures
- Drop or sag lens canopy fixtures
- Louvered style fixtures
- Color temperatures over 3,000K
Mason LED Solutions
Masonled offers a wide range of LED lighting products, including Dark Sky compliant options to meet customer requirements. Whether you need LED street lights, urban lights, or industrial lights, we can provide the right solution to help reduce light pollution and protect our night skies.
