Light pollution doesn’t just rob us of starry skies — it disrupts wildlife, wastes energy, and even harms human health. Yet as bleak as this might sound, the solution is surprisingly straightforward: We can all take small steps to curb excessive lighting and restore the night sky to its natural brilliance. Here in Colorado, communities, businesses, and individuals are increasingly joining forces to tackle light pollution and safeguard our stunning celestial views.

A Growing Problem — But One We Can Fix

A recent Washington Post editorial highlights a stark reality: Global light pollution has made the sky 10 percent brighter over the past decade. That means a child could grow up seeing two to three times fewer stars by the time they head off to college than they could as a toddler.

This glow doesn’t just affect stargazers. Migratory birds lose their way, pollinators become confused, and nocturnal animals suffer. Humans, too, are impacted — our circadian rhythms rely on natural darkness. Excess light at night can lead to poor sleep, mood disturbances, and even health risks such as obesity and certain cancers.

Fortunately, addressing this problem is easier than you might think.

orion in the mountains vs in the city

Shielded Lights & Smarter Bulbs

Point Lights Downward
One of the biggest culprits is poorly aimed fixtures that shine light straight into the sky. Make sure your outdoor lights are shielded and direct their beams downward, illuminating only what’s necessary (such as walkways or entries).

Use Warm, Low-Intensity LEDs
Choose amber or warm-toned LEDs rather than harsh white or blue ones. Blue-rich lighting causes more skyglow and disrupts both humans’ and animals’ night vision. Low-intensity bulbs are both eco-friendly and gentler on wildlife.

Adopt Motion Sensors and Timers
There’s no need for floodlights to blaze all night. Motion sensors ensure that lights are only on when needed, saving energy and preventing unnecessary skyglow. Timers and dimmers help, too.

Busting the Security Myth

Many people believe constant lighting deters crime. However, research often indicates the opposite: Bright lighting can embolden wrongdoers, while motion-sensor lights actually draw attention to suspicious activity. Having lights on 24/7 often signals to criminals that no one is home to switch them on or off. Upgrading to timed or motion-based lighting can enhance safety and slash your electric bill.

Community Action for the Night Sky

Team Up With Neighbors
Reducing light pollution is more powerful when you collaborate with those next door. Organize a neighborhood stargazing night to show everyone what they’re missing. Encourage each other to replace or shield outdoor fixtures.

Use Your Local Ordinances
In many Colorado communities — including Boulder — local laws regulate outdoor lighting. If you spot glaring lights or overly bright signage, let your city or county know. While not always enforced perfectly, reporting violations can nudge businesses or homeowners to make improvements.

Financial Incentives
At AstroTours.org, we’ve offered cost-sharing promotions to help people afford shielded, motion-sensor, or lower-intensity lighting solutions. These updates often pay for themselves in energy savings — and they help restore our view of the stars.

Light Pollution’s Wider Impact

Excess night lighting can waste large amounts of energy, drive up utility bills, and contribute to carbon emissions. Disruption of nocturnal ecosystems has cascading effects on bird migrations, insect populations, and plant pollination. Humans, too, rely on the balance of day and night for mental and physical health.

Here in Colorado, we take pride in our breathtaking vistas. But if the night sky fades behind a dull glow, we lose a piece of our cultural heritage and a source of inspiration. By lowering light pollution, we help our planet, protect wildlife, and preserve the cosmic tapestry that makes Colorado’s evenings so magical.

Join the Movement

Whether you’re in Denver, Boulder, or the remote corners of the state, you can make a difference:

1. Upgrade Your Bulbs: Opt for warm or amber LEDs and shield fixtures to direct light downward.
2. Use Motion Sensors & Timers: Reduce light usage while improving home security.
3. Report Violations: Help local authorities manage unshielded, overly bright lights that break regulations.
4. Explore Dark Skies: Check out DarkSky International or local groups for the best stargazing spots and resources on reducing skyglow.

For more eco-friendly stargazing tips, read our article on Earth’s Moon: A Loyal Companion and Celestial Wonder and see how the Moon’s phases interact with our efforts to keep the skies dark.

Let the Stars Shine

Light pollution is a problem we created, but it’s one we can solve. By being mindful of how we use and direct our artificial lights, we can restore the awe-inspiring night sky that has guided humanity for millennia. Join us in safeguarding Colorado’s stars — and experience the true beauty of a dark, unspoiled night.

Luke Huxley Astronomer & Educator

Luke Huxley is the founder of AstroTours.org and a passionate advocate for making astronomy accessible and exciting. A graduate in astrophysics from the University of Colorado, Luke combines his scientific background with storytelling to craft unforgettable stargazing experiences. He’s traveled the globe for astronomy, including a stint working with "Space Gandalf" in Australia which inspired him to start AstroTours.org. Luke hosts astronomy programs weekly just outside of boulder where he takes guests on a guided astronomy tour across the universe.