July 25 – 31, 2025Vol. 27, No. 7

Beyond the Glow: Why Dark Skies Matter

Streetlights in Belgrade Lakes Village are designed to emit reduced light and to shine downwards. Photo by Gregor Smith.

by Jeff Worthington

Ah, the Belgrades in summertime! Long, glorious days that eventually give way to what should be equally glorious, star-filled nights. But sometimes, that celestial canvas isn’t quite as brilliant as it could be, and the culprit is something called light pollution.

So, what exactly is light pollution? Simply put, it’s the excessive or misdirected artificial light that obscures the natural night sky. Instead of crisp constellations and the faint glow of the Milky Way, we might see a hazy orange glow, making it difficult to appreciate the universe above. It’s a subtle but pervasive form of environmental degradation that often goes unnoticed until we truly miss the wonder of a truly dark night sky.

Now, you might think, “So what? It just makes things a little brighter at night.” But the effects of light pollution are far more reaching than you might imagine, impacting everything from human health to the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

For us humans, it can disrupt our natural sleep-wake cycles, known as circadian rhythms, potentially leading to fatigue, increased stress, and other health issues. Our bodies are naturally attuned to the rhythm of day and night, and constant artificial illumination can throw this vital system out of sync.

For wildlife, the consequences can be even more severe. Nocturnal animals, from tiny insects to large mammals, rely on darkness for hunting, navigation, and reproduction. Artificial light can disorient migrating birds — including our precious loons — causing them to stray off course or collide with illuminated structures. It can confuse hatching sea turtles, drawing them away from the ocean towards artificial light sources, and disrupt the delicate balance of countless other ecosystems.

Even our enjoyment of nature and cultural heritage, tied to the inspiring beauty of the night sky, is diminished. Imagine trying to observe a meteor shower or simply gaze at the Milky Way, only to have it washed out by the glow of distant streetlights. The loss of dark skies represents a loss of connection to our natural world and a fundamental part of human experience.

The good news is that light pollution is a problem we can do something about! Unlike many other forms of environmental pollution, light pollution is largely a direct result of how we design and use outdoor lighting. This means we have the power to make immediate and impactful changes. By adopting responsible lighting practices, we can significantly reduce light pollution, save energy by using light more efficiently, and paradoxically, even enhance safety and visibility where it’s truly needed. It’s about being smarter with our light, not necessarily eliminating it.

Here are some practical tips for homeowners in Belgrades, based on the five principles for responsible outdoor lighting championed by DarkSky International:

  1. Only light when and where it’s needed. This principle is all about intentionality and efficiency. Think of it as putting light on a leash — only letting it out when and where it serves a purpose. Unnecessary illumination not only contributes to light pollution but also wastes energy and money. By being mindful of when and where we use outdoor lighting, we can dramatically reduce our impact on the night sky.
    • Motion sensors: Install motion-activated lights so they only turn on when someone is present. This saves energy and eliminates unnecessary constant illumination, ensuring light is only deployed when truly needed for security or navigation.
    • Timers: Use timers to turn off outdoor lights after a certain hour when they are no longer needed. For instance, do you really need your porch light on all night after everyone is asleep? Setting a timer ensures that light is extinguished when its purpose has been served.
  2. Light only to the level required. More light isn’t always better; in fact, often the opposite is true. This principle encourages us to use the minimum amount of light necessary to achieve the desired effect. Overly bright lighting can create glare, making it harder to see, and contributes significantly to skyglow. By choosing appropriate light levels, we can improve visibility, reduce light pollution, and conserve energy.
    • Avoid overly bright fixtures: Choose the lowest wattage necessary for the task. Instead of a floodlight that illuminates your entire yard, consider a smaller fixture that focuses light on a pathway or doorway.
    • Consider the task: Pathway lights, for example, need far less illumination than a security light focused on a specific area. Tailor the brightness to the specific function of the light.
  3. Minimize blue light. The color of light matters, especially when it comes to skyglow and biological impacts. Blue-rich white light, common in many unshielded LED fixtures, scatters more in the atmosphere, creating a significant amount of skyglow. Furthermore, it has a more disruptive effect on human circadian rhythms and wildlife behavior than warmer-toned light. By choosing warmer color temperatures, we can significantly lessen these negative impacts.
    • Choose warm-toned LEDs: Opt for lights with a color temperature of 3000K or lower (look for “warm white” or “amber” on the packaging). Blue-rich white light scatters more in the atmosphere, contributing significantly to skyglow and having a greater impact on wildlife and human health.
  4. Shield light sources. This principle is perhaps the most crucial for preventing light from spilling into the sky. Shielding ensures that light is directed precisely where it’s needed — downwards — and not horizontally or upwards. Unshielded lights waste energy and contribute directly to skyglow, obscuring our view of the stars. By using properly shielded fixtures, we maximize the effectiveness of our lighting while minimizing light pollution.
    • Full cutoff fixtures: Ensure your outdoor lights direct all light downwards, where it’s needed. Look for fixtures labeled “full cutoff” — these prevent light from shining horizontally or upwards into the sky. Think “downlight, not uplight.”
    • Reflectors and lenses: Use fixtures with internal reflectors and lenses to direct light precisely onto the intended target area.
  5. Control light by design. This principle takes a holistic approach to outdoor lighting, encouraging thoughtful planning rather than simply adding lights wherever they seem convenient. It’s about integrating lighting with the overall landscape and considering natural solutions where possible. By planning our lighting strategically, we can achieve our goals with less artificial light and greater aesthetic appeal.
    • Plan your lighting: Consider what you truly need to illuminate and avoid general floodlighting of large areas. Focus on specific tasks or features rather than broadly illuminating an entire space.
    • Utilize natural features: Landscaping elements like trees or shrubs can sometimes provide natural screening or delineate pathways, reducing the need for artificial light altogether.

By embracing these simple principles, we in the Belgrades can work together to reclaim our starry nights, protect our wildlife, and create a more energyefficient and visually appealing environment. Let’s keep our summer nights bright where we need them, and beautifully dark where we don’t.

Resources for Residents, Visitors, and Families

Central Maine offers a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world, both day and night. Here are some resources to help you explore and appreciate our beautiful dark skies, extending beyond the Belgrade Lakes region:

By utilizing these resources and embracing responsible lighting practices, we can all contribute to preserving the magic of our starry nights in the Belgrade Lakes region and beyond for generations to come.


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