Dark Sky Lighting

Protect the Night

Preserving and restoring the natural nighttime environment is more urgent than ever.

Download the Protect the Night Flyer, brought to you by the Environmental Advisory Committee.

Download the Protect the Night Brochure, brought to you by the Environmental Advisory Committee.

What is light pollution?

Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. When we over-light, fail to use timers and sensors, or use the wrong colour of light, we negatively affect many parts of our world.

Destroys critical wildlife habitat

Plants and animals depend on Earth’s daily light and dark cycle to govern life-sustaining behaviors. Research shows that artificial light at night has adverse and even deadly effects on many species.

Decreases safety and security

There is no clear scientific evidence that increased outdoor lighting deters crime. In fact, glare from unshielded streetlights can decrease personal safety, contributing to both crime and accidents.

Wastes energy and money

Most outdoor lighting is wasted. This energy waste increases greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change and wastes billions of dollars each year.

Robs us of our night sky experiences

All our relations experienced a night sky that inspired ceremony, spirituality, knowledge, and creativity. Now, millions of people across the globe may never know the wonder of seeing the stars in a dark night sky.

Harms human health

Studies indicate that artificial light at night negatively affects human health by increasing our risks for obesity, sleep disorders, depression, diabetes, breast cancer, and more.

Inhibits scientific research

Satellites in low Earth orbit create visible trails in the night sky, inhibiting astronomical research and jeopardizing NASA’s early warning system for asteroid collisions.

“Awenen aawiwaad anangoog” (Who are the stars)

For millennium Anishinaabe Peoples have looked into the night sky and gazed up at the stars and constellations above. Anishinaabe groups have recognized special relationships between the star constellations, and the land, and interdependence of the ecosystems in the natural environment, which is complex, and woven and integrated into the Anishinaabe Worldview.

Anishinaabe observations of the cosmological and ecological relationships were the inception of the many ceremonies and storytelling passed down through the generations. These events were kept strong and vibrant through traditional gatherings in both distant and local First Nation Communities. These gatherings are known today as Pow-Wows.

The Anishinaabe constellation stories include the Ojiig (Fisher, Big Dipper) and Maang (Loon, Little Dipper) and a hole in the sky called "Bagone giizhig (Seven Sisters) which is the spiritual gateway in Anishinaabe ceremonies.

Similarly, our local petroglyphs are deeply connected with these teachings and Midewin religious beliefs of the supernatural world.

The next time you are looking into the Dark Sky, remember the constellations were not only stories of origin coming from a Roman or Greek Philosophy but an Anishinaabe origin shaping a Worldview still relevant and vibrant in those communities today.

For additional resources on Anishinaabe constellation and star knowledge, visit www.nativeskywatchers.com.

The stars are disappearing

Light pollution continues to grow at an alarming rate, harming our health, damaging the environment, and diminishing our view of the stars. DarkSky International has a plan to save the night, but we need your help.

What can I do?

DarkSky’s Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting can help you make smart choices to reduce light pollution. Do your lights protect the night?

Is it useful? All light should have a clear purpose. Use lights only when and where they are needed.

Is it targeted? Shield and aim your light so it only falls downward and where it is useful.

Is it low-level? Lights should be no brighter than necessary to save money and reduce glare.

Is it controlled? Lights should only be on when needed. Use timers and motions sensors.

Is it warm-coloured? Warm-colored light causes less skyglow. Use amber-toned lights whenever possible.

Join the movement and help save the night

DarkSky is a global community working together to save the night. Sign-up today for DarkSky e-news updates to learn more.

DarkSky International is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports a global community and movement dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural nighttime environment.

Visit www.DarkSky.org.