INSTITUTE PRESENTATIONS—
Light Pollution Lecture Descriptions
 

Light Pollution 101

Developed for municipal planning boards and conservation commissions, this 45-minute illustrated presentation provides an introduction to exterior lighting issues.

Light that shines where it is not needed is called light pollution. When it shines directly up into the sky, it creates the skyglow, the most widely recognized form of light pollution. Unshielded lights are clearly visible from space. Satellite images reveal that Maine retains more naturally dark skies than any other state east of the Mississippi. Sadly, new ground-based measurements document the rapid loss of Maine’s pristine dark skies. This excess light not only hides the stars; it actually limits nighttime visibility and is becoming increasingly expensive.

An effective outdoor lighting ordinance promotes the use of lighting designs that balance the needs of business, public safety, and the environment, while reducing energy consumption. The principles of quality outdoor lighting make use of the human eye’s remarkable adaptability. Effective lighting eliminates glare, prevents light trespass, and improves pedestrian safety, crime prevention and security by directing light to where it is needed, in the amount that is needed, and increasingly when it is needed.

The Institute's director, Peter Lord, will introduce the essential features of all outdoor lighting ordinances as well as the most common variations. Emerging trends—such as lighting zones, control, and maximum levels—provide context to this emerging national movement. A quality lighting ordinance reflects the needs of the community and is as unique as the community it protects.
 

Starlit Communities

Executive Director Peter Lord presents the Island Astronomy Institute’s Starlit Communities Project, and explains why light pollution mapping offers the key to protecting our starry skies. The global dimensions of light pollution will be illustrated with satellite images of lights shining up from earth. Mapping allows communities to understand their current levels of light pollution, so they can set practical goals for the future. Issues of safety, security, and energy conservation intersect with those of science, culture, and tourism to make starlight a natural resource worth protecting.

Starlit Communities is the result of the Institute’s collaboration with Acadia National Park. Using cutting-edge technology on loan from the National Park Service, the Institute is surveying the light pollution levels in and around Acadia National Park. The collaboration is working with towns to establish lighting ordinances and foster voluntary efforts to reduce the baseline levels of light pollution. In direct response to the concerns of Bar Harbor residents, the Acadia All American Road (connecting Rt. 3 from the head of Mount Desert Island to Park Loop Drive) recently became the first National Scenic Byway to have its night sky surveyed.

Peter will share the results of this growing collaboration and outline the principles of effective lighting that conserve energy, and increase public safety, while protecting wildlife and human health. He will explain why genuine community stewardship offers our best hope for protecting Maine’s Starlit Communities.