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Home My WebLink About04-28-26 Public Comment - L. A. Harris - Preservation of the Night Sky From: 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: Enalish-Protect the nioht.adf CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Bozeman City Commissioners, I would like to comment on the City Commission Priorities Work Plan. I strongly encourage commissioners 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 should include 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 can help 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, MT email: montlou31I&gmail.com . The stars are disappearing. _ Light pollution continues to grow at an alarming '++ - DarkSky 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. Protect Join the movement and help the night save the night. + + - - •❑ ❑• DarkSky is a global community • • ••• working together to save the night. Preserving and restoring the ti - =_ �� •, Sign up today for DarkSky e-newsnighttime environment is more updates to learn more. • ,_ urgent than ever. ++: DarkSky ♦ INTERNATIONAL 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. A� DarkSky International www.DarkSky.org � -. • - 5049 East Broadway Blvd#105 +1-520-293-3198 Tucson AZ 85711 USA What is light pollution? What can • • Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those ❑� , ❑ D. - Principles f• Responsible occurring naturally.When we over-light,fail to use timers and sensors,or use the �{W—% ' • ••• • • - • • - smartwrong color of light,we negatively affect many parts of our world. 6' • - • -• - •• • • • Learn more about light Light pollution... useful? Destroys critical wildlife habitat Decreases safety and security All_ lighting •ht should have a clear nlywhenand where Plants and animals depend on There is no clear scientific needed.is Earth's daily light and dark evidence that increased cycle to govern life-sustaining outdoor lighting deters crime. Is it targeted? behaviors.Research shows In fact,glare from unshielded Shield that artificial light at night has streetlights can decrease falls downward and where it is adverse and even deadly personal safety,contributing useful. effects on many species. to both crime and accidents. Is it low-level? Light should be nobrighter Wastes energy and money Robs us of our night sky heritage necessary to save money• ' reduce glare. Most outdoor lighting is Our ancestors experienced a wasted.This energy waste night sky that inspired science, Is it controlled? increases greenhouse gas religion,philosophy,art,and Lighting should only be on when emissions contributing to literature.Now,millions of needed. climate change and wastes - children across the globe will sensors. 1W billions of dollars each year. 41 never know the wonder of seeing the Milky Way. Is it warm-colored? Warm-colored light causesskyglow. amber-toned lighting Harms human health Inhibits scientific research wheneverpossible. Studies indicate that artificial Satellites in low Earth orbit Learn more light at night negatively affects create visible trails in the night human health by increasing i sky,inhibiting astronomical ih� •- • • • our risks for obesity,sleep research and jeopardizing about - importance of thenight disorders,depression, NASA's early warning system • • •• • reduce diabetes,breast cancer,and for asteroid collisions. • •• • • • • • _ Q community. more.