by John C. Barentine, Ph.D. IDA Director of Public Policy When white light-emitting diode (LED) technology appeared on the outdoor lighting market late in the last decade, the world was on the edge of economic… Read more
France Adopts National Light Pollution Policy Among Most Progressive In The World
by John Barentine, IDA Director of Public Policy A new law came into effect in France on the first day of 2019 that sets an important standard in western Europe for the protection of nighttime… Read more
IDA Urges Decision-Makers in China Consider Cost-Effective Alternatives to “Artificial Moon”
According to recent media reports, China’s Chengdu, a city in the Sichuan province, has announced plans for an experimental “artificial moon” to be launched in 2020, with two additional satellite launches slated for 2022. The… Read more
Croatia Set To Enact One Of The World’s Most Advanced National Light Pollution Laws
by John Barentine Director of Public Policy A proposed country-wide law in Croatia would conform to IDA’s endorsed best practices, including requirements concerning both shielding and color temperature of outdoor lighting. The law is also… Read more
International Dark-Sky Association Establishes Ohio Chapter
The International Dark-Sky Association welcomes a new chapter in Ohio U.S. to support efforts that protect the nighttime environment from light pollution across the state of Ohio. Light pollution–defined as the inappropriate use of artificial… Read more
World’s Newest International Dark Sky Reserve Is Largest In Europe
Dark night skies remain accessible over southeastern France, thanks to efforts undertaken by a region of the country described by National Geographic as “classic landscape of traditional French life”. In recognition, Cévennes National Park has been… Read more
Kanab, Utah Preserves View of the Stars with Outdoor Lighting Ordinance
On June 26, 2018, after a two-year citizen-led effort, the Kanab City Council enacted an outdoor lighting ordinance to protect the natural darkness that makes Kane County, Utah, a great place to see stars. Residents… Read more
Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park Becomes World’s Newest International Dark Sky Park
The National Park Service and IDA are pleased to announce that Petrified Forest National Park has been officially designated as an International Dark Sky Park. An IDA International Dark-Sky Park (IDSP) is a land possessing… Read more
Study Links Artificial Light at Night and Cancer Risk
A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives investigated the relationship between artificial light at night (ALAN) in Spain and the risk of developing breast or prostate cancer.1 Previous research has shown that night shift… Read more
Wimberley Valley Cities Become Third International Dark Sky Community in Texas
In recognition of noteworthy local efforts to reduce light pollution and promote the benefits of nighttime darkness, IDA today designated the Wimberley Valley of Texas as an International Dark Sky Community. It is only the… Read more