Missing the Mark on the Dark
The LD+A, October 2025 “Embracing Darkness” issue missed the chance to emphasize the dark-sky theme in that the “Insights” description did not indicate what, if any, dark-sky measures were associated with the highlighted project. This should be a part of all featured projects going forward.
About the only thing I missed in the dark-sky articles was a discussion of the impact of architecture and landscaping on fixture design and light pollution. For instance, a residential uplight can be dark-sky friendly if it is mounted under a roof overhang that captures the uplight while providing a visual signal to the side. Light reflecting off any vertical façade will have a significant upward and near horizontal component. Unobstructed near-horizontal light traverses much more atmosphere before escaping, so that even red light is heavily scattered, as can be easily seen at sunset and sunrise. At the same time, light pollution from this almost-horizontal light can often be reduced by nearby vegetation, fences, or nearby buildings. Lighted windows are another source of light pollution. It can be reduced by curtains, blinds, tinting or even just by reducing or turning off the lights late at night.
We are the lighting people, but we can do a better job if we educate and collaborate with our architectural and landscape colleagues as well as the general public.
Robert Clear
Member IES
