Mel Northey Co. Inc. is the best choice for excellent dark sky lights. We are dedicated to providing high-quality dark sky lights that meet our customers’ needs while protecting the environment. Our company has been at the forefront of the lighting industry for over 40 years, and we take pride in our commitment to innovation and sustainability.
If you’re looking for exceptional lighting solutions, contact us or check out our catalog to find out more.
What Are Dark Sky Lights?
Dark sky lights are specially designed outdoor lighting fixtures that minimize light pollution. They are engineered to direct light downwards, reducing the amount of artificial light that spills into the night sky. This helps to preserve the natural darkness of the night and reduce the adverse effects of light pollution on the environment and human health.
Light pollution is currently growing at a far faster rate than the world population, and research shows that dark sky lights are increasingly important to stop this harmful trend. Dark sky lights are the result of the dark-sky movement, a campaign to cut down on light pollution.
The Dark-Sky Movement: Understanding The History Of Dark Sky Lights
The dark-sky movement began in response to the growing concern over light pollution and its negative effects on the environment and human health. The movement advocates for responsible outdoor lighting practices and the use of dark sky lights.
This movement began in the late 20th century. It was spearheaded by astronomers and environmentalists who noticed how difficult it was to observe stars and celestial bodies due to light pollution. Organizations like the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) were founded to raise awareness and promote solutions to this issue.
In 2012, astronomers had a hand in influencing the governor of Arizona to veto a bill that would have reversed a ban on illuminated billboards. In the study of scotobiology, the study of darkness, researchers have found that light pollution was harmful to nocturnal animals and human circadian rhythms.
The promotion of quality outdoor lighting is the best way to restore the natural night environment. The IDA, formed in 1988, has developed a program for recognizing which fixtures qualify asdark sky lights. The Fixture Seal of Approval (FSA) program has identified which fixtures are dark sky friendly.
Qualities of Dark Sky Lights Include Light Fixtures that…
- Minimize glare
- Do not pollute the night sky
- Reduce light trespass
- Are shielding completely
- Do not emit luminous output above 90 degrees in the vertical plane
Advantages Of Using Dark Lights
The movement has many advantages, including that more stars become visible at night. The use of dark sky lights benefits any community by helping to diminish the effects of light pollution.
Dark sky lights help to protect wildlife and ecosystems. Many animals rely on natural light cycles, and excessive artificial light can disrupt their behaviors. By using dark sky lights, we can reduce the impact on nocturnal animals and help preserve their habitats.
These lights are also designed to be more efficient, often utilizing LED technology. This means they consume less energy than traditional lighting, which can result in lower electricity bills and reduced carbon footprints.
Lastly, exposure to artificial light at night can interfere with our circadian rhythms, leading to sleep disorders and other health issues. Dark sky lights help to minimize this exposure, promoting better sleep and overall well-being. Dark sky lights also enhance the natural beauty of the night sky. They allow us to enjoy starry nights and celestial events without the interference of excessive artificial light.
The Goals
The chief goals of the dark-sky movement, which is achievable with the use of dark sky lights, are the following:
- Using fixtures in public areas that do not send light upward.
- To encourage communities to adopt regulations that help to prevent light pollution.
- Also, it is important to encourage the use of fixtures that have full-cutoff mode.
What Is Light Trespass?
Light trespass is when lighting falls where it is not wanted, needed, or intended.
Glare is extreme brightness, which causes visual discomfort. At high levels, glare can decrease visibility. Clutter is when there is a confusing, bright, excessive grouping of light sources, such as commonly occurs in urban areas. This clutter contributes to glare, trespass, and urban sky glow.
It is one of the problems that can be almost diminished with the use of dark sky lights.
Hire Mel Northey Co. Inc. For Quality Dark Sky Lights
Mel Northey Co. Inc. offers various dark sky lighting solutions, including streetlights. All our products are designed to minimize light pollution and comply with dark sky standards. Our mission is to provide lighting solutions that enhance the beauty of outdoor spaces while protecting the night sky.
We believe in the importance of sustainability and are committed to reducing our environmental impact through the use of energy-efficient technologies and responsible manufacturing practices.
When you choose Mel Northey Co. Inc., you choose a company that values quality, innovation, and sustainability. Our dark sky lights are functional and aesthetically pleasing and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment. Our commercial area lighting fixtures include:
- LED Shoebox Area Light
- Round Aluminium Light Pole
- Round Steel Light Pole
- Square Aluminium Light Pole
- Square Steel Light Pole
Flag Pole Beacons
Flag pole beacons are a type of dark sky light. These fixtures provide the most environmentally friendly method of illuminating flagpoles at night. With this beacon, flags can be well-lit at night. These lights come in a variety of different styles.
Reach Out To Us For Free Quote
Dark sky lights offer numerous benefits, from protecting the environment and improving human health to enhancing the natural beauty of the night sky. The dark-sky movement has made significant strides in raising awareness about light pollution and promoting responsible lighting practices.
At Mel Northey Co. Inc., we are proud to support this movement by providing high-quality dark sky lighting solutions. Our products are designed with both functionality and sustainability in mind, ensuring that you can enjoy well-lit outdoor spaces without compromising the natural darkness of the night sky.
Whether you are looking to upgrade your outdoor lighting or are simply interested in learning more about dark sky lights, Mel Northey Co. Inc. is here to help. Call us for a free quote or fill out this form on our website. We also provide street and stop signs.
Visit our website or contact us today to discover how our lighting solutions can make a difference in your community. Together, we can work towards a brighter and more sustainable future, one light at a time.