North Carolina’s night skies are increasingly obscured by artificial light, particularly in and around our larger cities. Excessive and poorly directed outdoor lighting not only diminishes our ability to experience the natural beauty of the night sky, but can also affect wildlife and ecosystems that depend on natural patterns of light and darkness.

Research suggests that excessive artificial light at night can disrupt circadian rhythms and interfere with melatonin production in humans and other animals. These disruptions have been associated with sleep disturbances and may have broader effects on health and well-being.

We can reduce unnecessary light pollution while still maintaining safe, well-lit communities. By promoting responsible outdoor lighting practices—such as shielding lights, reducing unnecessary brightness, and using lighting only where and when it is needed—we can protect North Carolina’s night skies, wildlife, and quality of life for generations to come.

Additional Resources

• DarkSky International https://darksky.org/resources/what-is-light-pollution/effects/human-health/
• National Geographic https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/light-pollution/
• PBS North Carolina https://www.pbsnc.org/blogs/science/how-light-pollution-affects-backyard-birds/
• PBS North Carolina https://www.pbsnc.org/blogs/science/firefly-magic-is-in-danger/