HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-28-26 Public Comment - L. A. Harris - Preservation of the Night SkyFrom:Lou Ann Harris
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment on City Commission Priorities Work Plan
Date:Friday, April 24, 2026 8:34:49 AM
Attachments:English - Protect the night.pdf
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Dear Bozeman City Commissioners,
I would like to comment on the City Commission Priorities Work Plan. I strongly encouragecommissioners to include preservation of the night sky from artificial light. The city's Outdoor
Lighting Code needs to be updated to be considered dark-sky friendly. The code shouldinclude the Five Lighting Principles for Responsible Outdoor lighting (see attached PDF): 1.
Useful, 2. Targeted, 3. Low Level, 4. Controlled & 5. Warm-colored. These principles canhelp make the difference for our migrating birds & insect pollinators. It also can preserve the
night sky for stargazing. The night sky is an important part of Bozeman's natural environment.Please take these steps to preserve it.
Thank you.
Lou Ann Harris
Bozeman, MTemail: montlou311@gmail.com
Protect
the night
Preserving and restoring the
nighttime environment is more
urgent than ever.
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.
The stars are disappearing.
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.
DarkSky International5049 East Broadway Blvd #105
Tucson AZ 85711USA
www.DarkSky.org+1-520-293-3198
Light pollution isreversible!
Unlike other types of pollution that are very
difficult to remove from the environment, light
pollution can be solved at the speed of light.
Solutions deliver immediate and lasting results.
SUCCESS STORY
In 2018, the City of Tucson,
Arizona, U.S.A. (population
500,000) upgraded its
streetlights. By doing so, it
saved $2.2 million per year in
energy costs and reduced
light pollution by 7%.
WE’RE MAKING AN IMPACT
1,000+
More than 1,000 DarkSky
Approved lighting fixtures are
available on the market.
2,000+
DarkSky supports more than
2,000 volunteer Advocates in
49 countries.
70+
DarkSky supports more than
70 chapters in 24 countries.
200+
More than 200 International
Dark Sky Places have been
certified, protecting over
160,000 sq km of dark places
around the globe.
Photo credit: Bin Chen
Light pollution...
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 color 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.
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.
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.
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.
Robs us of our night sky heritage
Our ancestors experienced a
night sky that inspired science,
religion, philosophy, art, and
literature. Now, millions of
children across the globe will
never know the wonder of
seeing the Milky Way.
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.
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?
All light should have a clear purpose.
Use lighting only when and where it
is needed.
Shield and aim your light so it only
falls downward and where it is
useful.
Light should be no brighter than
necessary to save money and
reduce glare.
Lighting should only be on when
needed. Use timers and motion
sensors.
Warm-colored light causes less
skyglow. Use amber-toned lighting
whenever possible.
Is it useful?
Is it targeted?
Is it low-level?
Is it controlled?
Is it warm-colored?
Visit darksky.org to learn more
about the importance of the night
and what you can do to reduce
light pollution around your home
and community.
Learn more
Learn more about light pollution