Why use good light fixtures?

Skyglow that interferes with astronomers and with everyone’s stargazing is small but growing here in Teton Valley, where it is still possible to see the stars and the Milky Way, unlike most of the industrialized world.  This fact has spotlighted other lighting issues that have been largely unnoticed.

 

Many people are so used to glare from poor lights that they aren’t aware of how much it interferes with night vision and makes driving at night more dangerous.

 

People who sleep in a bedroom with light from outside are so used to it.  They don’t know how it disturbs sleep and, according to mounting evidence, is bad for one’s health.

 

People have often heard that more light means more security.  They don’t think about how bright light can make dark shadows where bad guys can hide, and draws people looking for something to do, even if it’s wrong.

 

Good lighting means choosing good light fixtures, not overlighting, and lighting only what needs to be lighted.

 

Manufacturers don’t make it easy to find good fixtures.  Most lights on sale in stores are bad for eyes and skies.  Thus towns that want good lights must make rules and provide help in choosing them.  Then demand will produce better choices.  This booklet is a guide to Victor’s ordinance and  an aid in making good choices.