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[gentle music]
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- Sam Saeger: Hello, thank you
everyone for coming today.
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I'm Sam Saeger
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and I'm the president
of DarkSky Wisconsin.
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My connection to the Dark Sky
began when I visited
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Newport State Park
in Door County.
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It's Wisconsin's only
Dark Sky designated park,
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and it was there where
I truly understood the power
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of the night sky,
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when I was standing
under the star-filled sky...
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and while I was taking in
the Northern Lights.
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So, I'm fortunate today
to be joined by a co-presenter
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who brings additional
expertise and perspective,
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and I'll turn it over to him
so he can introduce himself.
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- Scott Lind:
Hello, I'm Scott Lind.
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I'm the president
of the Kickapoo Valley
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Dark Sky Initiative
in Vernon County.
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Also an electrical engineer
with Mead & Hunt in Madison.
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And I have an electrician's
license as well.
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So, I do a lot of hands-on work
with Dark Sky lighting.
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And so, that's what I'm here
for today is the part
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that I'll share with you
is the how-to part
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after Sam speaks first.
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- Samantha:
So, why are we here today?
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What I realized that night
in Newport State Park
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is that many of us
have slowly lost the experience
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of what true darkness is,
and not because we intended to,
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but because of how we light
our communities.
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So, this has caused
an increase in light pollution
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so much that it's increasing
10% every year
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and doubling every eight years.
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We've seen even faster jumps
of light pollution in Wisconsin.
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The impacts of light pollution
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are well-documented
and measurable.
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But the good news is, is that
it's solvable and reversible.
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And the solutions are
straightforward
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and they're practical,
inexpensive.
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And so, this means
change can happen locally
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through our homes,
area businesses,
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and in our communities.
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So, we're here
to create awareness
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and not to place any blame,
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but to show
that reversing light pollution
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is practical and not extreme.
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So, what is light pollution?
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It's not just a lot of light.
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Many people assume
it's only a big city issue,
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something that only affects
skylines or major metro areas,
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but it's actually a growing
environmental issue worldwide.
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And at its core,
light pollution is simply
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light used where it isn't needed
and when it isn't needed.
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And most of the time,
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people contribute to it
unintentionally.
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And so, in fact,
you've probably seen examples
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in your neighborhoods
of light pollution.
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So, there's four main types
of light pollution.
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And the first is skyglow,
which is that bright dome
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that you see over communities
at night.
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It doesn't affect
just big cities.
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It's even small towns
have skyglow.
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There's also glare.
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So, glare doesn't just create,
like, visual discomfort.
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It actually reduces
our visibility.
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When light is too bright
or poorly shielded,
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it decreases that contrast
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and makes it harder
to see clearly.
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The third is light trespass,
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and this is one of the
most common neighbor complaints.
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And it's simply light shining
where it doesn't belong,
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like into a bedroom window.
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And finally, there's clutter.
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And clutter is just too much
bright light grouped together.
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And it creates
this visual chaos, distraction,
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and can actually reduce safety
instead of improving it.
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This image emphasizes
misdirection of light
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and the overuse
of lighting creating glare,
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light trespass,
and the visual discomfort.
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You can see the man saying,
"Oh, my eyes!"
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[audience laughs]
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Before we go any further,
though,
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I want to reframe something.
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That the night is natural.
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It's not bad,
it's not inherently unsafe.
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It's essential for life
on earth.
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And darkness isn't
an absence of something.
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It's our natural condition.
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So, life on this planet
has evolved
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under predictable
light-dark cycles.
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And for billions of years, there
was day and there was night.
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So, when we use
artificial light at night,
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especially in ways that are
excessive or misdirected,
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like you just saw
on that slide before,
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we begin to disrupt
that natural rhythm.
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And that disruption
doesn't just affect the stars.
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It affects wildlife, ecosystems,
and it affects us.
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And so, understanding
that darkness is biological.
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We've evolved under dark skies.
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Our sleep cycle, our hormones,
even our mental health
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are tied to all natural patterns
of light and dark.
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So, when we talk about
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environmentally conscious
lighting,
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we're not talking
about eliminating light.
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We're talking about preserving
the natural night
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and using light in a way
that respects it.
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More than half of the world's
species are nocturnal.
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And I really appreciate
this quote from Travis Longcore.
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He says, "We too quickly forget
we don't perceive the world
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"in the same way as other
species, and consequently,
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we ignore the impacts
that we shouldn't."
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What this reminds us
is that we tend
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to design the world based on
how we experience it,
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and we forget
that other species
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experience light
very differently.
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And so, wildlife
doesn't get a vote
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how we light our communities.
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Modern lighting has largely been
designed for human convenience,
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and humans are the only species
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that assume night
should look like day.
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And when we change the night,
we're not just changing the sky.
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We're affecting a huge portion
of life on the planet.
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Many of the impacts
are invisible to us,
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but they ripple
through entire ecosystems.
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Artificial light at night
is also called Alan, A-L-A-N.
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It disrupts feeding,
migration, and reproduction.
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It interferes with that
natural circadian rhythm,
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not just for animals,
but for plants as well.
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Insects are also
extremely vulnerable.
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Both nocturnal
and diurnal insects
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are negatively affected
by artificial light.
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And you've probably seen this
yourself.
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When insects are trapped
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and they're circling endlessly
around a bright fixture.
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That behavior isn't harmless.
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It exhausts them.
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It makes them easy prey, then,
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and disrupts their
pollination patterns.
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And birds.
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Birds are another major example,
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particularly during
the peak migration periods
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in spring and fall of being
affected by light pollution.
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They navigate using
the stars and the moon.
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And so, when these bright
city lights come in,
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it draws them off course.
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It can lead to disorientation
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and fatal collisions
with buildings.
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It doesn't stop there.
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There's the sea turtles
and frogs and pollinators.
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Many species experience light
very differently than we do,
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and even those subtle changes
in nighttime brightness
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can alter their behavior
in ways that we never see,
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but still matter deeply.
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And light pollution isn't
just about losing the stars,
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which are great in the sky,
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but it has
environmental consequences.
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In the United States alone,
wasted outdoor lighting costs
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an estimated $7 billion
in energy every year,
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and that wasted light results
in the release
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of about 66 million tons
of carbon dioxide annually.
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So, those emissions
aren't coming from lighting
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that we're using to improve
safety or visibility.
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That's coming from light
that is misdirected,
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excessive,
and simply unnecessary.
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So, in other words,
the carbon emissions
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are a direct result
of that wasted light.
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Just as light pollution
affects wildlife,
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it also affects,
and the environment,
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it affects us as humans.
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Our bodies depend on that
natural light-dark cycle.
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Our circadian rhythms,
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the internal clocks
that regulate our sleep
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and our hormones
and our overall health,
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really rely on that darkness
at night.
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That blue rich light
that you are getting
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from your electronics
and certain outdoor lighting
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is particularly disruptive
after sunset.
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So, it can interfere
with melatonin production,
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impact your sleep quality,
and increase stress over time.
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And this is important to note
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because we are not separate
from nature.
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The same biological system that
guides wildlife also guides us.
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And so, this conversation
isn't about fear.
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It's about awareness.
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And when we choose
smarter lighting,
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we're offering
practical solutions
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that will protect the health
of people, wildlife,
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and our environment.
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Losing the night sky
isn't just environmental.
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It's also cultural,
emotional, and scientific loss.
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Today, about one third
of humanity,
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so that's roughly 80%
of people in the United States,
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can no longer see the Milky Way
from where they live.
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And for most of human history,
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the night sky was
a shared experience.
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It shaped navigation.
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It was storytelling,
it was science.
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And it was our understanding
of our place in the universe.
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And so, darkness inspires
curiosity.
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It sparks wonder.
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It encourages stewardship.
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And when we lose the night sky,
we're not just losing the stars,
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but we're losing a source
of that perspective,
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imagination, and connection
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that has guided humanity
for thousands of years.
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One important thing to remember
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is that light doesn't just stay
contained to one property.
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It crosses property lines,
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and a single
poorly aimed light
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can impact your neighbors,
as we talked about before,
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wildlife,
and even the sky itself.
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So, this isn't
about individual perfection.
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This is about
collective awareness.
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When communities work together
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and adopt thoughtful
lighting practices,
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the impact is far greater than
any one person acting alone.
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And the good news is, is that
communities can protect darkness
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while still maintaining
visibility and safety.
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Smart lighting allows us
to do both.
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When we talk about lighting,
good lighting design,
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sometimes the best design
is choosing
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not to light something at all.
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And for example,
choosing not to uplight a tree
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or architectural feature
on your property,
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that can feel
counterintuitive to people.
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We've been used to thinking
that adding light adds value,
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enhances beauty,
or improves the space.
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And for many people,
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the idea
that not lighting something
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is a valid design choice,
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that can be the hardest choice
to accept.
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But in many cases, restraint
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is the most environmentally
responsible option
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because it recognizes
that darkness
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isn't something to eliminate.
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It has intrinsic value.
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So, what does it mean
to actually not light
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beyond what's needed for safety?
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It means being intentional.
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It means lighting for a purpose,
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not simply lighting
because we can.
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In many communities,
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the most respected
and beautiful properties
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aren't the brightest ones,
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but they're the
most thoughtfully designed.
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And so, choosing
not to use excess light is--
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It doesn't mean neglect.
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It means that you've considered
what's necessary,
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and lighting,
understanding that lighting
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doesn't always communicate
values.
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In the past,
more light was often associated
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with status or success.
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But today, we understand
that excess light
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doesn't equal quality.
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Thoughtful lighting,
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00:12:18,305 --> 00:12:20,974
light that is purposeful
and limited to what's needed
255
00:12:21,041 --> 00:12:26,947
reflects a community that values
both safety and stewardship.
256
00:12:28,015 --> 00:12:29,283
There's a common belief
257
00:12:29,349 --> 00:12:33,554
that more lighting
automatically means more safety,
258
00:12:33,620 --> 00:12:36,523
but we know that isn't
necessarily true anymore.
259
00:12:36,590 --> 00:12:39,193
Brightness alone
doesn't equal safety,
260
00:12:39,259 --> 00:12:42,496
and safety isn't about flooding
an area with light.
261
00:12:42,563 --> 00:12:45,032
It's about using
well-designed lighting
262
00:12:45,098 --> 00:12:47,668
that improves the visibility
without creating
263
00:12:47,734 --> 00:12:51,505
visual discomfort and that glare
that I mentioned before.
264
00:12:51,572 --> 00:12:57,244
But with the well-designed
lighting, we can improve safety.
265
00:12:57,978 --> 00:12:59,112
So, where did this come from?
266
00:12:59,179 --> 00:13:02,082
This brighter meaning safer?
267
00:13:02,149 --> 00:13:04,484
And the idea isn't
a bad assumption,
268
00:13:04,551 --> 00:13:05,752
that brighter is safer.
269
00:13:05,819 --> 00:13:06,920
It's just an old one.
270
00:13:06,987 --> 00:13:08,322
It's outdated.
271
00:13:08,388 --> 00:13:11,525
When lighting and security
technologies were more limited,
272
00:13:11,592 --> 00:13:14,294
they had to increase
the brightness.
273
00:13:14,361 --> 00:13:18,065
And it was the simplest solution
and the most effective solution
274
00:13:18,131 --> 00:13:20,267
when those technologies
were limited.
275
00:13:20,334 --> 00:13:22,135
And historically it made sense,
276
00:13:22,202 --> 00:13:25,372
but our perceptions of safety
have changed
277
00:13:25,439 --> 00:13:27,207
and no longer are shaped
278
00:13:27,274 --> 00:13:30,544
by those technological
limitations.
279
00:13:33,647 --> 00:13:37,050
So, today that leaves us with
brighter does not mean safer.
280
00:13:37,117 --> 00:13:40,020
It does not mean better vision.
281
00:13:40,087 --> 00:13:43,323
In fact, excessive brightness
is creating that glare
282
00:13:43,390 --> 00:13:44,491
that we've talked about.
283
00:13:44,558 --> 00:13:46,226
It reduces that contrast
284
00:13:46,293 --> 00:13:49,329
and it limits our ability
to see clearly.
285
00:13:49,396 --> 00:13:51,532
Harsh lighting creates shadows,
286
00:13:51,598 --> 00:13:53,734
and overlighting
can have the opposite effect
287
00:13:53,800 --> 00:13:56,136
and actually make
areas feel unsafe
288
00:13:56,203 --> 00:14:01,208
because of the glares
provided by that overlighting.
289
00:14:02,276 --> 00:14:05,612
And this is a goodvexample
of glare reducing safety
290
00:14:05,679 --> 00:14:07,748
and hiding those details.
291
00:14:07,814 --> 00:14:09,917
So, there is a person
standing at the gate
292
00:14:09,983 --> 00:14:11,218
in both of the photos.
293
00:14:11,285 --> 00:14:13,520
You just can't see him
in the first photo
294
00:14:13,587 --> 00:14:14,955
because of the glare.
295
00:14:15,022 --> 00:14:16,557
So, you can see
in the second photo
296
00:14:16,623 --> 00:14:18,792
by shielding
the fixture with the hand,
297
00:14:18,859 --> 00:14:20,394
the lack of that intense glare
298
00:14:20,460 --> 00:14:24,264
means you can see him
in the bottom photo.
299
00:14:27,701 --> 00:14:29,970
So, today,
technology has changed.
300
00:14:30,037 --> 00:14:31,839
We have better fixture designs.
301
00:14:31,905 --> 00:14:34,708
We have full shielding,
adaptive controls,
302
00:14:34,775 --> 00:14:39,646
motion sensors, and dramatically
improved camera systems.
303
00:14:39,713 --> 00:14:40,948
And the tools are different now.
304
00:14:41,014 --> 00:14:43,217
So, modern cameras
no longer require
305
00:14:43,283 --> 00:14:45,352
overlighting to function well.
306
00:14:45,419 --> 00:14:47,554
They-- without changing
the equation.
307
00:14:47,621 --> 00:14:49,456
So, security no longer depends
on that
308
00:14:49,523 --> 00:14:51,124
constant brightness either.
309
00:14:51,191 --> 00:14:54,728
The LEDs allow for
precise control of direction,
310
00:14:54,795 --> 00:14:58,332
intensity, timing,
and color temperature.
311
00:14:58,398 --> 00:15:01,702
So, we've moved from a mindset
of "light everything"
312
00:15:01,768 --> 00:15:03,837
to "light what matters."
313
00:15:03,904 --> 00:15:05,806
And the rules have evolved,
and it's time
314
00:15:05,873 --> 00:15:09,676
for our assumptions
to evolve with them.
315
00:15:10,777 --> 00:15:12,679
So, the mindset shift
316
00:15:12,746 --> 00:15:14,882
that we're asking
and inviting you to
317
00:15:14,948 --> 00:15:16,783
is not a fear of darkness,
318
00:15:16,850 --> 00:15:19,486
but really confidence
in smarter lighting.
319
00:15:19,553 --> 00:15:21,388
We can rethink our old habits
320
00:15:21,455 --> 00:15:25,325
without sacrificing safety
and security.
321
00:15:25,392 --> 00:15:27,461
This is a new way
of thinking about safety.
322
00:15:27,528 --> 00:15:31,365
And instead of thinking we need
brightness to feel safe,
323
00:15:31,431 --> 00:15:33,867
we want safety
that comes from consistency
324
00:15:33,934 --> 00:15:36,703
and creating visibility
where it matters most.
325
00:15:36,770 --> 00:15:38,705
And with lighting that's even,
326
00:15:38,772 --> 00:15:41,475
that improves clarity
instead of glare.
327
00:15:41,542 --> 00:15:44,411
Confidence comes from this
intentional design
328
00:15:44,478 --> 00:15:45,579
and the understanding
329
00:15:45,646 --> 00:15:48,582
that darkness
and safety are compatible.
330
00:15:48,649 --> 00:15:51,451
So, security today
doesn't come from floodlights.
331
00:15:51,518 --> 00:15:57,524
It comes from that visibility,
that control, and intelligence.
332
00:15:58,692 --> 00:16:01,929
So, when a neighbor believes
that more light is better,
333
00:16:01,995 --> 00:16:05,532
one of the common questions
we hear is,
334
00:16:05,599 --> 00:16:07,134
"What do I do
if my neighbor's light
335
00:16:07,201 --> 00:16:09,369
is shining brightly
into my window?"
336
00:16:09,436 --> 00:16:11,738
And the first step is
to assume good intent.
337
00:16:11,805 --> 00:16:15,375
Most people, lighting
issues aren't intentional.
338
00:16:15,442 --> 00:16:17,611
They're often very easy to fix.
339
00:16:17,678 --> 00:16:19,513
And instead of focusing
on judgment,
340
00:16:19,580 --> 00:16:21,615
maybe focus on the impact.
341
00:16:21,682 --> 00:16:24,151
And so, you might mention
sleep disruption,
342
00:16:24,218 --> 00:16:26,320
some of the things
you've learned today about glare
343
00:16:26,386 --> 00:16:28,355
or the effects on wildlife.
344
00:16:28,422 --> 00:16:32,793
And rather than implying that
they are doing something wrong,
345
00:16:32,860 --> 00:16:35,996
focusing on
what the impacts are.
346
00:16:36,930 --> 00:16:38,765
And so, it can sound as simple
347
00:16:38,832 --> 00:16:42,302
as, "I recently learned
a little bit about Dark Sky
348
00:16:42,369 --> 00:16:45,572
"and lighting choices
at the Garden Expo.
349
00:16:45,639 --> 00:16:49,543
"I noticed some light from your
fixtures shining into my window.
350
00:16:49,610 --> 00:16:51,545
"I was wondering
if you'd be open to adjusting it
351
00:16:51,612 --> 00:16:53,747
or using a warmer bulb."
352
00:16:53,814 --> 00:16:56,884
And so, there's ways that we're
trying to encourage people
353
00:16:56,950 --> 00:17:01,622
to have those conversations
with neighbors, educating them.
354
00:17:01,688 --> 00:17:03,323
And also, no pressure,
355
00:17:03,390 --> 00:17:05,526
but just making sure
that they know
356
00:17:05,592 --> 00:17:07,961
that there are other
opportunities and solutions.
357
00:17:08,028 --> 00:17:09,796
So, it's not about
confrontation.
358
00:17:09,863 --> 00:17:11,832
We just wanna have
conversation.
359
00:17:11,899 --> 00:17:15,135
And the good news is that most
of the solutions are simple.
360
00:17:15,202 --> 00:17:17,237
And Scott's going
to walk you through
361
00:17:17,304 --> 00:17:20,774
what those
practical solutions are.
362
00:17:24,845 --> 00:17:26,513
- Thanks, Sam.
363
00:17:31,318 --> 00:17:33,587
Okay, so Sam has done
a great job of introducing you
364
00:17:33,654 --> 00:17:35,556
to the overall problem.
365
00:17:35,622 --> 00:17:38,125
And we'll talk a little bit more
now about the details about
366
00:17:38,192 --> 00:17:39,626
how you can accomplish
367
00:17:39,693 --> 00:17:42,729
environmentally conscious
lighting.
368
00:17:42,796 --> 00:17:44,498
What are the practical details
to do that
369
00:17:44,565 --> 00:17:46,633
and some examples of that.
370
00:17:46,700 --> 00:17:49,269
So, it's lighting that's
only used when it's needed.
371
00:17:49,336 --> 00:17:51,071
It's lighting that's shielded.
372
00:17:51,138 --> 00:17:52,539
It's warm in color,
373
00:17:52,606 --> 00:17:55,108
which most people aren't
widely aware of
374
00:17:55,175 --> 00:17:57,044
how important the color
temperature of light is.
375
00:17:57,110 --> 00:17:59,713
We're gonna talk about
that a fair amount today.
376
00:17:59,780 --> 00:18:03,617
And then appropriate brightness,
right?
377
00:18:03,684 --> 00:18:05,619
So, these are the only three
definitions we're gonna use.
378
00:18:05,686 --> 00:18:08,989
We're gonna keep this
as nontechnical as possible.
379
00:18:09,056 --> 00:18:11,625
But we do need to understand
some basic ideas.
380
00:18:11,692 --> 00:18:14,761
So, I'm gonna talk about
zero uplight fixtures,
381
00:18:14,828 --> 00:18:17,364
and the fixture on my right,
your left up here
382
00:18:17,431 --> 00:18:19,132
is a zero uplight fixture.
383
00:18:19,199 --> 00:18:21,435
There's no lens visible
from the front.
384
00:18:21,502 --> 00:18:23,704
I'll turn these on later
for you.
385
00:18:23,770 --> 00:18:25,873
The fixture
on your right, my left
386
00:18:25,939 --> 00:18:28,242
is a very common
fixture we see everywhere,
387
00:18:28,308 --> 00:18:29,877
which has a lens on the front,
388
00:18:29,943 --> 00:18:31,879
and we'll throw light
directly into your eyes,
389
00:18:31,945 --> 00:18:34,982
unlike the fixture
on the other side.
390
00:18:35,048 --> 00:18:36,750
That's a very important
characteristic
391
00:18:36,817 --> 00:18:40,554
to prevent direct uplight into
the sky and to reduce glare.
392
00:18:40,621 --> 00:18:43,857
The lumens, we all know about
a 60-watt light bulb.
393
00:18:43,924 --> 00:18:46,426
If I say 60-watt light bulb,
for most people in this room,
394
00:18:46,493 --> 00:18:48,996
that means something to you
visually what that means.
395
00:18:49,062 --> 00:18:52,900
But if I said 900 lumens,
does that register at all?
396
00:18:52,966 --> 00:18:54,301
It probably doesn't, right?
397
00:18:54,368 --> 00:18:57,938
Unfortunately, because
the efficiency of light fixtures
398
00:18:58,005 --> 00:19:00,007
has changed over time,
from incandescents
399
00:19:00,073 --> 00:19:02,342
to compact fluorescents
to LEDs--
400
00:19:02,409 --> 00:19:04,978
LEDs have continued
to become more efficient--
401
00:19:05,045 --> 00:19:07,548
if we think about lighting
in terms of watts,
402
00:19:07,614 --> 00:19:09,449
we have no idea
what that really means.
403
00:19:09,516 --> 00:19:11,451
Even though we think
we might know what that means,
404
00:19:11,518 --> 00:19:13,053
we really have no idea
what that means.
405
00:19:13,120 --> 00:19:15,689
And so, it's really imperative
to start to think about
406
00:19:15,756 --> 00:19:17,291
what a lumen is.
407
00:19:17,357 --> 00:19:19,326
What is 900 lumens?
408
00:19:19,393 --> 00:19:21,528
And the best way
I would encourage you to do this
409
00:19:21,595 --> 00:19:23,197
is to go to the hardware store
410
00:19:23,263 --> 00:19:26,533
and buy two or three light bulbs
with different lumen outputs,
411
00:19:26,600 --> 00:19:28,335
and put them in a lamp
in your house
412
00:19:28,402 --> 00:19:30,337
with the rest of the lights
off in the house
413
00:19:30,404 --> 00:19:31,505
and turn them on,
414
00:19:31,572 --> 00:19:33,307
and just get a--
start to get a sense
415
00:19:33,373 --> 00:19:34,741
of what those numbers feel like.
416
00:19:34,808 --> 00:19:36,343
It's really important
to get to that point
417
00:19:36,410 --> 00:19:39,346
in understanding
outdoor lighting, especially.
418
00:19:39,413 --> 00:19:42,449
And the last definition is
correlated color temperature,
419
00:19:42,516 --> 00:19:44,818
CCT, that's what
the second C stands for.
420
00:19:44,885 --> 00:19:46,920
But it's the color temperature
of the light.
421
00:19:46,987 --> 00:19:49,523
Has nothing
to do with the brightness.
422
00:19:49,590 --> 00:19:52,993
No relationship whatsoever about
how much light you're getting.
423
00:19:53,060 --> 00:19:55,696
It's strictly about
what the color of that light is.
424
00:19:55,762 --> 00:19:57,431
Okay?
425
00:19:58,465 --> 00:20:02,870
So, I've got a picture of that
fixture turned on in this slide.
426
00:20:02,936 --> 00:20:04,371
And there's a couple
of examples here
427
00:20:04,438 --> 00:20:07,074
of other types
of zero uplight fixtures.
428
00:20:07,140 --> 00:20:08,942
But there are many
different shapes
429
00:20:09,009 --> 00:20:11,044
and many different forms
available.
430
00:20:11,111 --> 00:20:13,380
It's just an example
that tries to show you
431
00:20:13,447 --> 00:20:15,983
that the lenses are always
on the bottom.
432
00:20:16,049 --> 00:20:18,385
If you look straight at that
fixture and see any lens,
433
00:20:18,452 --> 00:20:22,856
it's not a zero uplight fixture
by definition.
434
00:20:22,923 --> 00:20:25,526
And this is how I try
to represent lumens.
435
00:20:25,592 --> 00:20:27,594
In other words, this is
strictly quantity of light.
436
00:20:27,661 --> 00:20:29,463
Ignore the glary street lights.
437
00:20:29,530 --> 00:20:32,432
Ignore the fact that
they're very, very white, right?
438
00:20:32,499 --> 00:20:34,034
We'll talk about the fact
they're too white
439
00:20:34,101 --> 00:20:35,202
a little bit later,
440
00:20:35,269 --> 00:20:36,803
but just look
at the quantity of light
441
00:20:36,870 --> 00:20:38,071
in those two images, right?
442
00:20:38,138 --> 00:20:42,242
That's all I'm trying
to demonstrate for you.
443
00:20:42,309 --> 00:20:43,510
And then, color temperature.
444
00:20:43,577 --> 00:20:47,214
So, as we move through daytime
into dusk,
445
00:20:47,281 --> 00:20:52,219
the middle of the day is roughly
5,000 to 6,500 Kelvins.
446
00:20:52,286 --> 00:20:54,321
That's the measurement for
correlated color temperature.
447
00:20:54,388 --> 00:20:56,156
It's measured in Kelvins.
448
00:20:56,223 --> 00:20:59,026
And then, as we get more
and more towards night
449
00:20:59,092 --> 00:21:01,495
that Kelvin number decreases.
450
00:21:01,562 --> 00:21:04,631
And so, if you go into a store
and look at a light fixture box
451
00:21:04,698 --> 00:21:06,400
or a light bulb box,
452
00:21:06,466 --> 00:21:10,204
you'll see a four-digit number
followed by the letter K.
453
00:21:10,270 --> 00:21:11,572
That is the color temperature
454
00:21:11,638 --> 00:21:14,374
of that light bulb
or that fixture.
455
00:21:14,441 --> 00:21:16,276
And the lower the number,
456
00:21:16,343 --> 00:21:18,846
as counterintuitive as this is,
the lower the number,
457
00:21:18,912 --> 00:21:20,881
we describe that as warmer.
458
00:21:20,948 --> 00:21:24,518
That's a warmer light,
a warmer-colored light.
459
00:21:24,585 --> 00:21:27,821
And that's the same transition
that happens with natural light.
460
00:21:27,888 --> 00:21:29,723
It starts out during the middle
of the day,
461
00:21:29,790 --> 00:21:33,126
very, very blue,
very high Kelvin number,
462
00:21:33,193 --> 00:21:37,898
and then goes down as we get
closer and closer to night.
463
00:21:37,965 --> 00:21:41,535
So, here are some images
of different color temperatures.
464
00:21:41,602 --> 00:21:44,271
And this fixture here will also
demonstrate for you later,
465
00:21:44,338 --> 00:21:46,273
the ones
that are in the room here,
466
00:21:46,340 --> 00:21:49,910
1,800 Kelvin is about the
lowest we can find today
467
00:21:49,977 --> 00:21:51,778
as a color temperature of light.
468
00:21:51,845 --> 00:21:54,781
It's very gold, very, very warm.
469
00:21:54,848 --> 00:21:57,751
2,200 Kelvin is the first light
470
00:21:58,752 --> 00:22:01,588
that the standards define
as white light.
471
00:22:01,655 --> 00:22:03,557
So, it's a very warm
white light.
472
00:22:03,624 --> 00:22:06,260
And 2,700K is also
a warm white light,
473
00:22:06,326 --> 00:22:07,861
a lot like incandescent lamps.
474
00:22:07,928 --> 00:22:09,096
If you think about
incandescents,
475
00:22:09,162 --> 00:22:12,499
they're very close
to 2,700 Kelvin.
476
00:22:13,901 --> 00:22:15,802
Here's an example
of an installation
477
00:22:15,869 --> 00:22:17,671
in La Farge, Wisconsin.
478
00:22:17,738 --> 00:22:21,608
This fire station has
1,800 Kelvin lights on it.
479
00:22:21,675 --> 00:22:25,012
In fact, the same light
that's up here in front of you.
480
00:22:25,078 --> 00:22:26,980
And the folks in town
481
00:22:27,447 --> 00:22:29,049
are extremely happy
with that lighting.
482
00:22:29,116 --> 00:22:33,620
And it's very,
very warm and has very low glare
483
00:22:33,687 --> 00:22:37,424
and very low skyglow potential
because it's such a warm light
484
00:22:37,491 --> 00:22:38,692
and because it's directed
downward
485
00:22:38,759 --> 00:22:41,728
where it's needed on the ground.
486
00:22:41,795 --> 00:22:44,131
So, why are we focusing
so much on color temperature?
487
00:22:44,198 --> 00:22:48,168
So, a higher color
temperature scatters more.
488
00:22:48,235 --> 00:22:50,437
There's more blue in those
higher color temperatures
489
00:22:50,504 --> 00:22:52,372
and that scatters
in the atmosphere.
490
00:22:52,439 --> 00:22:53,907
It's called Rayleigh scattering.
491
00:22:53,974 --> 00:22:56,376
The same reason
the sky is blue during the day.
492
00:22:56,443 --> 00:22:59,046
You take the full spectrum light
of the Sun,
493
00:22:59,112 --> 00:23:00,814
blue light,
short wavelength light
494
00:23:00,881 --> 00:23:02,216
scatters more in the atmosphere,
495
00:23:02,282 --> 00:23:04,318
and that's why the sky
is blue during the day.
496
00:23:04,384 --> 00:23:07,754
The exact thing hap--
That same thing happens at night
497
00:23:07,821 --> 00:23:10,190
when you take an artificial
light that has blue light in it.
498
00:23:10,257 --> 00:23:12,659
That blue light scatters more
than the other colors do,
499
00:23:12,726 --> 00:23:15,229
so it creates increased skyglow
because of that fact,
500
00:23:15,295 --> 00:23:18,031
even light that's directed down.
501
00:23:18,098 --> 00:23:20,033
As soon as the light leaves
that fixture,
502
00:23:20,100 --> 00:23:23,470
it begins to scatter
in the atmosphere.
503
00:23:23,537 --> 00:23:25,372
Species,
humans, other species
504
00:23:25,439 --> 00:23:27,174
are sensitive to different
wavelengths
505
00:23:27,241 --> 00:23:28,542
in different ways.
506
00:23:28,609 --> 00:23:32,179
And so, the spectrum of light
is really important, okay?
507
00:23:32,246 --> 00:23:36,049
And then, higher CCT
with more blue in it,
508
00:23:36,650 --> 00:23:37,851
as Sam explained,
509
00:23:37,918 --> 00:23:40,587
affects circadian rhythms
and affects sleep patterns
510
00:23:40,654 --> 00:23:42,823
and has lots of other impacts
to the environment
511
00:23:42,890 --> 00:23:44,424
beyond just scattering
in the atmosphere.
512
00:23:44,491 --> 00:23:46,226
So, that's why we're gonna focus
a little bit
513
00:23:46,293 --> 00:23:49,530
on correlated color temperature.
514
00:23:50,531 --> 00:23:52,833
And this graphic will
just kind of show you
515
00:23:52,900 --> 00:23:56,336
as we go up in color temperature
starting at 2,200 Kelvin,
516
00:23:56,403 --> 00:23:59,072
2,700, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000.
517
00:24:01,108 --> 00:24:04,077
That that dramatically
raises the skyglow potential
518
00:24:04,144 --> 00:24:05,646
from those different
color temperatures.
519
00:24:05,712 --> 00:24:10,217
So, when you go out and buying
a fixture or buying a bulb,
520
00:24:10,284 --> 00:24:12,119
every time
you go up in number
521
00:24:12,186 --> 00:24:13,987
behind that-- or in front
of that K number,
522
00:24:14,054 --> 00:24:18,258
you're increasing skyglow
pretty dramatically.
523
00:24:18,325 --> 00:24:19,826
Here's one example
just comparing
524
00:24:19,893 --> 00:24:23,664
two different light sources,
2,200 Kelvin,
525
00:24:23,730 --> 00:24:25,332
and what a color chart
looks like
526
00:24:25,399 --> 00:24:27,935
lit under that light source.
527
00:24:28,001 --> 00:24:32,206
And what a 4,000 Kelvin,
which is very, very common now,
528
00:24:32,272 --> 00:24:33,607
how that illuminates
that color chart.
529
00:24:33,674 --> 00:24:37,077
You can see the color rendering,
how those colors appear to us
530
00:24:37,144 --> 00:24:38,946
under those different
light temperatures.
531
00:24:39,012 --> 00:24:40,747
But the most important number
up there to me
532
00:24:40,814 --> 00:24:43,650
is the fact that
78% more skyglow
533
00:24:43,717 --> 00:24:46,119
from the 4,000 Kelvin image
534
00:24:46,186 --> 00:24:49,556
for the identical fixture,
the same amount of light.
535
00:24:49,623 --> 00:24:51,825
All you change
is the color of the light.
536
00:24:51,892 --> 00:24:53,126
That's it.
537
00:24:53,193 --> 00:24:55,395
And it increases skyglow
by that much.
538
00:24:55,462 --> 00:24:58,799
So, the question I have to ask
is at night, right,
539
00:24:58,866 --> 00:25:02,970
we're not picking out the
clothing we're gonna buy,
540
00:25:03,036 --> 00:25:04,204
is it important to you
541
00:25:04,271 --> 00:25:06,673
to have slightly different
color rendering
542
00:25:06,740 --> 00:25:08,375
if you know
when you do that,
543
00:25:08,442 --> 00:25:11,478
you're gonna have
78% more skyglow?
544
00:25:11,545 --> 00:25:13,113
That's the question
about being intentional
545
00:25:13,180 --> 00:25:16,183
and being thoughtful about
how we light at night.
546
00:25:16,250 --> 00:25:19,152
That's one factor is the color.
547
00:25:20,420 --> 00:25:22,122
So, the principles
of being responsible
548
00:25:22,189 --> 00:25:23,724
with lighting
at night really are
549
00:25:23,790 --> 00:25:27,427
to use zero uplight fixtures,
first of all.
550
00:25:27,494 --> 00:25:31,598
2,700 Kelvin is as high
as I'd ever recommend you go,
551
00:25:31,665 --> 00:25:33,467
and warmer fixtures
and warmer bulbs
552
00:25:33,534 --> 00:25:36,470
are becoming more available
every month, right?
553
00:25:36,537 --> 00:25:39,673
We started with 4,000 Kelvin
when LEDs first came out,
554
00:25:39,740 --> 00:25:41,542
because that's all
that they could produce.
555
00:25:41,608 --> 00:25:44,545
They couldn't really add
phosphorus to them at the time.
556
00:25:44,611 --> 00:25:47,414
And as the years have progressed
and technology has progressed,
557
00:25:47,481 --> 00:25:48,882
as Sam mentioned,
558
00:25:48,949 --> 00:25:51,418
we now have more responsible
choices available to us.
559
00:25:51,485 --> 00:25:55,055
So, certainly I would recommend
nothing higher than 2,700K
560
00:25:55,122 --> 00:25:57,925
and ideally 2,200K or 1,800K,
561
00:25:58,325 --> 00:26:00,294
'cause there are
dramatic jumps
562
00:26:00,360 --> 00:26:01,828
every time you go up
in temperature.
563
00:26:01,895 --> 00:26:06,066
So, the lowest you can go,
the better off you are.
564
00:26:06,133 --> 00:26:08,001
The other key thing
that Sam talked about,
565
00:26:08,068 --> 00:26:10,504
turning lights off,
and that's also a big part.
566
00:26:10,571 --> 00:26:13,507
Obviously, if the light is off,
no matter what color it is,
567
00:26:13,574 --> 00:26:14,775
it's not gonna produce
any skyglow.
568
00:26:14,842 --> 00:26:16,210
It's not gonna produce
any glare.
569
00:26:16,276 --> 00:26:18,145
It's not gonna use
any energy.
570
00:26:18,212 --> 00:26:20,113
So, for commercial buildings
in the state of Wisconsin,
571
00:26:20,180 --> 00:26:23,784
in most states, there are rules
about turning things off.
572
00:26:23,851 --> 00:26:25,052
And that's great.
573
00:26:25,118 --> 00:26:26,820
And you should consider
doing the same things
574
00:26:26,887 --> 00:26:28,255
on your own
residential property,
575
00:26:28,322 --> 00:26:29,790
even though they aren't mandated
576
00:26:29,857 --> 00:26:31,925
unless they're mandated
in the community you live in.
577
00:26:31,992 --> 00:26:34,061
So, you can do that
by motion sensing,
578
00:26:34,127 --> 00:26:36,330
which is ideal
from the standpoint
579
00:26:36,396 --> 00:26:40,601
that any time of night,
even in dusk, right,
580
00:26:40,667 --> 00:26:42,936
it won't be on
unless somebody is there.
581
00:26:43,003 --> 00:26:44,972
So, that's the ideal,
but at a minimum,
582
00:26:45,038 --> 00:26:47,040
put it on a timer
so that, you know,
583
00:26:47,107 --> 00:26:49,710
in the middle of the night when
nobody's gonna be out there
584
00:26:49,776 --> 00:26:51,144
getting to the garage,
for example,
585
00:26:51,211 --> 00:26:53,547
that light is turned off.
586
00:26:54,281 --> 00:26:55,983
And then consider
putting dimmers on.
587
00:26:56,049 --> 00:26:59,253
So, regardless of whether
it's on or off,
588
00:26:59,319 --> 00:27:02,990
most fixtures that I see
are too bright.
589
00:27:04,758 --> 00:27:06,994
Manufacturers will sell them
590
00:27:07,060 --> 00:27:09,997
as being brighter
and better, right?
591
00:27:10,063 --> 00:27:12,332
Not recognizing at all
when they sell it
592
00:27:12,399 --> 00:27:13,634
what the application is.
593
00:27:13,700 --> 00:27:15,169
Where is it gonna
be installed?
594
00:27:15,235 --> 00:27:16,336
Do you really need it?
595
00:27:16,403 --> 00:27:18,038
So, by putting a dimmer
on a fixture,
596
00:27:18,105 --> 00:27:20,874
you can choose
how bright that fixture is.
597
00:27:20,941 --> 00:27:22,609
And so, any time it's on,
598
00:27:22,676 --> 00:27:24,978
it's on in an appropriate
light level.
599
00:27:25,045 --> 00:27:28,048
Or you could choose to combine
a dimmer control--
600
00:27:28,115 --> 00:27:31,018
Not one of these, but
a dimmer control with a timer
601
00:27:31,084 --> 00:27:34,121
so that some times of the night,
it's brighter,
602
00:27:34,188 --> 00:27:35,589
and then it goes dim,
603
00:27:35,656 --> 00:27:38,592
or it's motion triggered
so that it goes very, very dim
604
00:27:38,659 --> 00:27:40,861
unless it's motion triggered and
then it comes up in brightness.
605
00:27:40,928 --> 00:27:44,598
There's lots of options
we have today with LEDs
606
00:27:44,665 --> 00:27:46,567
that we didn't have in the past.
607
00:27:46,633 --> 00:27:48,836
And so, I'd encourage you to
take advantage of those options
608
00:27:48,902 --> 00:27:50,871
and do a better job
of controlling the lighting
609
00:27:50,938 --> 00:27:52,940
that gets installed.
610
00:27:53,941 --> 00:27:55,475
So, simple actions
you can take at home.
611
00:27:55,542 --> 00:27:58,245
Obviously, again,
using zero uplight fixtures,
612
00:27:58,312 --> 00:28:00,814
using the lower Kelvin
temperature lights,
613
00:28:00,881 --> 00:28:04,518
using motion sensors or timers
we just mentioned.
614
00:28:04,585 --> 00:28:07,154
Really asking you
to think about the intention
615
00:28:07,221 --> 00:28:09,156
of outdoor lighting
that Sam mentioned earlier.
616
00:28:09,223 --> 00:28:11,625
If you're talking
about decorative lights only,
617
00:28:11,692 --> 00:28:13,894
lights that aren't trying
to get you down the sidewalk,
618
00:28:13,961 --> 00:28:15,996
but just decorative lighting
on your property
619
00:28:16,063 --> 00:28:18,298
or landscape lighting,
620
00:28:18,632 --> 00:28:20,868
think about whether
that really needs to be on
621
00:28:20,934 --> 00:28:22,536
more than just very short
time periods.
622
00:28:22,603 --> 00:28:24,671
You have guests coming over,
for example,
623
00:28:24,738 --> 00:28:25,839
or whatever it might be,
624
00:28:25,906 --> 00:28:28,442
think about limiting
how much of that you have.
625
00:28:28,509 --> 00:28:31,011
And then another contributor,
626
00:28:31,078 --> 00:28:34,448
Sam mentioned birds being in,
having impacts with windows.
627
00:28:34,515 --> 00:28:36,350
Another big contributor
to outdoor light at night
628
00:28:36,416 --> 00:28:39,520
is actually interior
light spill through windows.
629
00:28:39,586 --> 00:28:41,488
So, if it's possible
and you have blinds,
630
00:28:41,555 --> 00:28:43,290
consider putting your blinds
down to reduce the amount
631
00:28:43,357 --> 00:28:46,693
of artificial light
going outside.
632
00:28:47,427 --> 00:28:48,695
So, that's individually.
633
00:28:48,762 --> 00:28:51,031
What communities can do,
I really encourage this.
634
00:28:51,098 --> 00:28:53,500
We've done this
in Vernon County,
635
00:28:53,567 --> 00:28:57,504
in the communities of Ontario
and Wilton and La Farge
636
00:28:57,571 --> 00:28:59,072
and Cashton and Westby.
637
00:28:59,139 --> 00:29:02,276
We've done places
where we had public lighting,
638
00:29:02,342 --> 00:29:03,944
and we've changed
that public lighting
639
00:29:04,011 --> 00:29:07,114
and used those as examples
for other people to follow.
640
00:29:07,181 --> 00:29:09,783
And so, the illustration
that I'm gonna show you next
641
00:29:09,850 --> 00:29:11,318
is from the
Ontario Fire Station.
642
00:29:11,385 --> 00:29:13,153
That was the first project
I did.
643
00:29:13,220 --> 00:29:16,857
And having that example
available in the community
644
00:29:16,924 --> 00:29:18,759
led to many other projects
being done,
645
00:29:18,825 --> 00:29:20,994
because I can stand here
and talk to you about this.
646
00:29:21,061 --> 00:29:24,865
I can even show you a fixture
in a lit room during the day,
647
00:29:24,932 --> 00:29:27,100
but if you walk by a building
at night,
648
00:29:27,167 --> 00:29:30,571
that's been done in a way that's
responsible and you like it,
649
00:29:30,637 --> 00:29:32,973
that's much more likely to have
you say, "I don't mind that.
650
00:29:33,040 --> 00:29:34,141
"That looks good.
651
00:29:34,208 --> 00:29:35,475
In fact, I like it better."
652
00:29:35,542 --> 00:29:37,477
And that's what I would
encourage you to consider doing
653
00:29:37,544 --> 00:29:39,880
if you wanna have an impact
on better lighting
654
00:29:39,947 --> 00:29:42,082
in your community
is to pick one example,
655
00:29:42,149 --> 00:29:44,618
just pick one building,
whatever it might be,
656
00:29:44,685 --> 00:29:46,420
and change that building
657
00:29:46,486 --> 00:29:50,157
and use that to educate
your neighbors.
658
00:29:50,524 --> 00:29:53,594
So, this is a before picture
of this fire station.
659
00:29:53,660 --> 00:29:57,164
It had a combination
of unshielded, you know,
660
00:29:57,231 --> 00:29:59,366
I call them glare bombs
with the lens on the front,
661
00:29:59,433 --> 00:30:02,102
like the one you see
on your right up here.
662
00:30:02,169 --> 00:30:03,537
High pressure sodium,
663
00:30:03,604 --> 00:30:07,374
which is the legacy technology
for outdoor lighting.
664
00:30:07,441 --> 00:30:09,543
And then, 5,000K LEDs,
665
00:30:09,610 --> 00:30:14,281
which is the middle fixture
in this is 5,000K LEDs.
666
00:30:14,982 --> 00:30:16,650
And this is the after picture.
667
00:30:16,717 --> 00:30:18,418
This is 1,800K LEDs.
668
00:30:18,485 --> 00:30:22,189
Again, using that same fixture
that's in the room right here.
669
00:30:22,256 --> 00:30:24,725
The light levels
are still brighter
670
00:30:24,791 --> 00:30:26,360
than the standards
would call for,
671
00:30:26,426 --> 00:30:28,095
okay,
but they're identical.
672
00:30:28,161 --> 00:30:29,863
I used dimmers
to control them precisely.
673
00:30:29,930 --> 00:30:32,733
So, I kept the light levels
on the paved areas identical
674
00:30:32,799 --> 00:30:36,036
to what they were before,
average and minimum.
675
00:30:36,103 --> 00:30:39,439
And the uniformity, the light,
how uniform the light is,
676
00:30:39,506 --> 00:30:41,441
which Sam mentioned
how important uniformity is.
677
00:30:41,508 --> 00:30:44,278
That's a kind of a gold standard
for lighting designers
678
00:30:44,344 --> 00:30:45,946
is how uniform you
can make that light
679
00:30:46,013 --> 00:30:47,915
to get rid of the bright
and dark spots.
680
00:30:47,981 --> 00:30:52,853
That improved by 35%
just by changing the fixture
681
00:30:52,920 --> 00:30:58,192
from a glare bomb fixture to
a controlled downlight fixture.
682
00:30:58,258 --> 00:31:00,827
Energy use was reduced by 75%.
683
00:31:00,894 --> 00:31:03,463
Skyglow was reduced by 90%.
684
00:31:04,031 --> 00:31:05,933
Here's another example
at Wildcat Mountain State Park
685
00:31:05,999 --> 00:31:07,100
at the entrance station,
686
00:31:07,167 --> 00:31:08,702
for any of you
that have been there.
687
00:31:08,769 --> 00:31:10,037
I call these interim changes
688
00:31:10,103 --> 00:31:12,139
because we're gonna do
more changes to this building
689
00:31:12,206 --> 00:31:14,041
and make these fixtures
even warmer.
690
00:31:14,107 --> 00:31:15,609
But this was an interim step.
691
00:31:15,676 --> 00:31:17,177
We changed all the LEDs,
692
00:31:17,244 --> 00:31:19,813
which were previously
5,000 Kelvin,
693
00:31:19,880 --> 00:31:23,650
as blue as you can get,
practically, 5,000 Kelvin,
694
00:31:23,717 --> 00:31:25,385
to 2,700 Kelvin.
695
00:31:25,886 --> 00:31:28,989
And we had dramatically less
skyglow just from doing that.
696
00:31:29,056 --> 00:31:31,592
But also, if you look
on the picture on the left,
697
00:31:31,658 --> 00:31:35,996
you might notice there's a
floodlight up lighting the flag.
698
00:31:36,063 --> 00:31:37,731
In the revised version,
699
00:31:37,798 --> 00:31:39,900
we put a top
mounted flagpole light on there.
700
00:31:39,967 --> 00:31:41,835
So, we took what was, I think,
701
00:31:41,902 --> 00:31:45,939
150-watt metal halide fixture
shining up at the flag
702
00:31:46,006 --> 00:31:47,407
and replaced it with a,
703
00:31:47,474 --> 00:31:50,777
I think it's a 10-watt LED
shining down on the flag.
704
00:31:50,844 --> 00:31:52,379
So, that had a huge impact
as well.
705
00:31:52,446 --> 00:31:55,415
And many people have commented
when we look at these images
706
00:31:55,482 --> 00:31:59,186
that the new image looks
brighter than the old image.
707
00:31:59,253 --> 00:32:02,089
And that's because the camera,
when you take these images,
708
00:32:02,155 --> 00:32:03,924
reacts the same way
your eyes do.
709
00:32:03,991 --> 00:32:06,560
And so, that bright floodlight,
right,
710
00:32:06,627 --> 00:32:08,595
that was shining at the
camera lens, not directly,
711
00:32:08,662 --> 00:32:11,198
but indirectly
at the camera lens,
712
00:32:11,265 --> 00:32:12,366
gives a different perspective
713
00:32:12,432 --> 00:32:16,103
on what the actual
lighting levels are.
714
00:32:17,004 --> 00:32:19,039
So, what are the benefits
beyond just darkness?
715
00:32:19,106 --> 00:32:20,774
There's obvious
energy savings.
716
00:32:20,841 --> 00:32:23,710
The Ontario Fire Station
example that I gave,
717
00:32:23,777 --> 00:32:26,380
I installed those fixtures,
I didn't charge to install them,
718
00:32:26,446 --> 00:32:30,784
had a two-year payback
because of the energy savings.
719
00:32:30,851 --> 00:32:33,987
Obviously lower utility costs
embodied in that.
720
00:32:34,054 --> 00:32:36,323
Reduced carbon emissions
that Sam mentioned.
721
00:32:36,390 --> 00:32:39,359
You know, we aren't storing
much energy yet at night.
722
00:32:39,426 --> 00:32:40,727
And as of today,
723
00:32:40,794 --> 00:32:42,329
most of the energy
we're using at night
724
00:32:42,396 --> 00:32:44,831
is still carbon-based energy,
you know, gas turbines
725
00:32:44,898 --> 00:32:46,233
or coal-fired plants
for the most part.
726
00:32:46,300 --> 00:32:48,035
So, all that light
that we're using at night
727
00:32:48,101 --> 00:32:50,103
that's wasted
is, for the most part,
728
00:32:50,170 --> 00:32:53,106
contributing
to our carbon problem.
729
00:32:53,173 --> 00:32:54,308
Better nighttime visibility,
730
00:32:54,374 --> 00:32:56,343
I talked about
the improved uniformity,
731
00:32:56,410 --> 00:32:59,012
and when I turn
these fixtures on here,
732
00:32:59,079 --> 00:33:00,180
I think you'll all experience,
733
00:33:00,247 --> 00:33:01,915
even in a room
that's lit this brightly,
734
00:33:01,982 --> 00:33:04,117
but certainly from
your memories at night
735
00:33:04,184 --> 00:33:06,019
when you drive,
especially in the countryside,
736
00:33:06,086 --> 00:33:07,921
but anywhere, if you drive,
especially in the countryside,
737
00:33:07,988 --> 00:33:10,524
these incredibly bright lights
shining into your eyes,
738
00:33:10,591 --> 00:33:12,359
how that reduces
your visibility,
739
00:33:12,426 --> 00:33:14,595
makes you think maybe that's
a car coming down the highway,
740
00:33:14,661 --> 00:33:16,997
but no, it's just a barn
with a light on it, right?
741
00:33:17,064 --> 00:33:18,232
That kind of thing.
742
00:33:18,298 --> 00:33:20,300
And then, as Sam mentioned,
healthier ecosystems.
743
00:33:20,367 --> 00:33:21,735
All the things
that we're talking about
744
00:33:21,802 --> 00:33:26,807
will improve the health
of the ecosystems in general.
745
00:33:26,874 --> 00:33:28,008
So, how do you get involved?
746
00:33:28,075 --> 00:33:30,477
Start by making small changes
at your home,
747
00:33:30,544 --> 00:33:33,046
talking with your neighbors
and community leaders.
748
00:33:33,113 --> 00:33:35,716
We'd encourage you to initiate
local Dark Sky efforts.
749
00:33:35,782 --> 00:33:38,485
That has the highest chance
of success.
750
00:33:38,552 --> 00:33:40,521
If you can get involved
in your local community,
751
00:33:40,587 --> 00:33:42,022
that's gonna be great.
752
00:33:42,089 --> 00:33:44,992
And then share what
you've learned today
753
00:33:45,058 --> 00:33:49,696
with other folks so they
can benefit from this knowledge.
754
00:33:49,763 --> 00:33:51,865
You know,
darkness is not lost forever.
755
00:33:51,932 --> 00:33:53,033
It really is not.
756
00:33:53,100 --> 00:33:56,203
We have an opportunity
by making good choices,
757
00:33:56,270 --> 00:33:58,105
simple choices,
actually,
758
00:33:58,172 --> 00:34:00,140
we can restore
the night for ourselves
759
00:34:00,207 --> 00:34:01,642
and for all the other species.
760
00:34:01,708 --> 00:34:03,343
And that's why we're here today.
761
00:34:03,410 --> 00:34:06,413
And we would encourage you
to join us in doing that.
762
00:34:06,480 --> 00:34:08,882
So, I think we have time
before we do Q&A.
763
00:34:08,949 --> 00:34:13,120
I will turn the light fixtures
on if that's okay.
764
00:34:13,187 --> 00:34:17,257
Those of you sitting
directly in front of this one...
765
00:34:17,324 --> 00:34:19,259
If you'll be sitting directly
in front of this one,
766
00:34:19,326 --> 00:34:23,897
might want to close
your eyes just briefly, but.
767
00:34:23,964 --> 00:34:25,699
So... Oh!
768
00:34:25,766 --> 00:34:27,067
[Scott chuckles]
[attendee exclaims]
769
00:34:27,134 --> 00:34:29,303
Yes, exactly,
sorry about that.
770
00:34:29,369 --> 00:34:30,871
I'll turn it back off again.
771
00:34:30,938 --> 00:34:34,942
So, I'll just say that I've done
calculations for buildings
772
00:34:35,008 --> 00:34:36,276
with those types of fixtures
773
00:34:36,343 --> 00:34:38,579
and with these types of fixtures
on them,
774
00:34:38,645 --> 00:34:43,050
and I can achieve
almost identical distance
775
00:34:43,116 --> 00:34:44,685
from the building light levels.
776
00:34:44,751 --> 00:34:46,887
In fact, when I turned these on
earlier, the question was,
777
00:34:46,954 --> 00:34:48,555
"Well, what about
that one being on?"
778
00:34:48,622 --> 00:34:50,357
It was on, right?
779
00:34:50,424 --> 00:34:52,392
But because you don't see
that direct glare,
780
00:34:52,459 --> 00:34:55,395
you don't realize how much light
it's actually putting out.
781
00:34:55,462 --> 00:34:57,030
That's the beauty of LEDs now
782
00:34:57,097 --> 00:35:00,267
is that with the LEDs mounted
at the bottom of that fixture,
783
00:35:00,334 --> 00:35:04,104
each of those discrete LEDs has
a lens on it that focuses light.
784
00:35:04,171 --> 00:35:06,707
And so, that light, even though
it has a lens in the bottom,
785
00:35:06,773 --> 00:35:09,076
is capable of throwing light out
at very high angles,
786
00:35:09,142 --> 00:35:10,344
for better and worse.
787
00:35:10,410 --> 00:35:11,678
But in the case of this,
788
00:35:11,745 --> 00:35:13,881
it's better from the sense
of being able to throw light
789
00:35:13,947 --> 00:35:16,149
further out without giving
you the direct glare.
790
00:35:16,216 --> 00:35:19,419
So, that was the purpose
of showing those two fixtures.
791
00:35:19,486 --> 00:35:21,421
I can talk more about color
temperature and so forth,
792
00:35:21,488 --> 00:35:25,292
but we've already covered
that earlier.
793
00:35:26,093 --> 00:35:27,194
All right.
794
00:35:27,261 --> 00:35:29,029
Well, we thank you all
for coming.
795
00:35:29,096 --> 00:35:30,898
Sam and I are grateful
for this opportunity.
796
00:35:30,964 --> 00:35:32,966
[audience applauds]