To Reclaim Night Sky, One Group Advocates Dimming Lights

For a really good look at the night sky, stay out of the city. Artificial light from street lamps, highways and buildings is so bright it can be seen from space and create an orange haze on Earth that hides the stars.

More than that, says Jim Dougherty, president of the International Dark Sky Association, light pollution can make you sick.

Light pollution is outdoor lighting that is not serving the task that it is designed for," he says. "In fact it is either wasted or, worse, has harmful effects.

According to his advocacy group, which works to raise awareness and take action against light pollution, excess artificial lighting disrupts sleep patterns, affects hormones and is linked to some cancers.

Dougherty says it also disturbs ecosystems, interferes with plants' growth cycle and plays a role in climate change.

If we are burning natural gas or were burning coal, were causing global warming by sending light straight up into the sky, he says.

There are examples of that near Dougherty's office, in Washington's popular Capitol Hill neighborhood where globe-style street lamps shed light in all directions. The problem is that they are spaced too close together, and, he says, represent "twice the number needed to make the sidewalks safe.

In fact, Washington's lights are so bright they're visible from space. But passersby dont seem to notice or care.

The lighting makes me safe, says one passing woman.

It's comforting, says her boyfriend. The area around here is nice. Its not too bright and its just the right setting for a romantic mood if you want to come out for dinner on 8th Street.

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To Reclaim Night Sky, One Group Advocates Dimming Lights