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Bringing back the night I By N. Dini Checko, ANJEC Project Director magine navigating the night just from the light of the stars. For millennia this was possible, but in the recent 25 years, there's been a dramatic increase in artificial outdoor lighting so that 80 percent of people in the US can no longer see the Milky Way. Princeton University's Office of Sustainability produced a powerful documentary about the importance of dark skies. Dark Sacred Night was directed by Jared Flesher and stars Princeton University astrophysicist Gaspar Bakos. Professor Bakos asserts there are simple solutions to bringing back dark skies for human and wildlife health: make outdoor lights dimmer; shield lights so they only shine downward; and use warm-colored lightbulbs. Professor Bakos defines light pollution as an "inappropriate and excess amount of outdoor lighting." In humans, light pollution has been linked to increases in breast cancer, diabetes and depression. Many species, such as migrating birds, hatching turtles and fireflies have also been affected with alarming rates of decline. For fireflies, these magical beloved bioluminescent beetles, artificial light decreases their ability to observe mating signals, which could impact reproduction and therefore population. Dark Skies International works to restore darkness to the global population living under a light-polluted nighttime sky. The nonprofit's website Dark Sky NJ states: "While its impacts are still being studied and vary widely across species, scientists do know light pollution is affecting how plants grow and reproduce. It disrupts their seasonal rhythms, their ability to sense and react to natural light, and their fragile relationship with pollinators. The more 4 ANJEC REPORT – Autumn 2024 strained that relationship becomes, the more our food supply may be put in jeopardy. And just one broken link could create unfathomable physiological consequences up and down the food chain." LEDs can worsen light pollution The recent increase in light pollution is connected to the inappropriate use of outdoor LED lighting. LED light bulbs have important advantages -- they last longer, use less energy and are brighter than incandescent/CFL lights-but that means we should be using less lighting with proper design that focuses light only where it's needed. Light pollution costs approximately $3 billion annually in

er than incandescent/CFL lights-but that means we should be using less lighting with proper design that focuses light only where it's needed. Light pollution costs approximately $3 billion annually in wasted energy. What can be done about excess outdoor artificial light? Design • Illuminate only what you need to see. • Use energy-efficient bulbs and only as bright as you need. • Sheild light bulbs and direct them downward. • Use automatic timers or motion sensors to turn on lights only when needed. • Choose warm light. Just like for humans, blue light can be dangerous for wildlife. Education • Raise awareness about the problems with excess artificial light. • Celebrate the beauty of the night sky. Show the documentary Dark Sacred Night and encourage residents to view meteors such as the Perseid Shower. • Pass a proclamation. The Town of Clinton's proclamation designated April