New Mexico DarkSky

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Frequently asked questions

My neighbor has bright lights that bother me, what can I do?

This is a common question that doesn’t always have a simple answer! DarkSky International, and the New Mexico chapter, generally don’t get directly involved in specific individual lighting issues. DarkSky International does have a web page about the issue with some ideas. Note there is a video there that discusses how one person approached the issue. GNAR also has a “Good neighbor” toolkit that may be useful.

Generally, being confrontational doesn’t help to solve the situation, and sometimes it takes time to get the situation resolved. A good start is to become well informed on the issue, and then move on to talking with your neighbors. Some things to consider:

  • Make sure your property uses responsible lighting: good lighting starts at home!
  • Learn about the concept of light trespass, which might be persuasive to some people: you can acknowledge their right to light their property as they see fit, but ask them to recognize that neighbors also have the right to have their property protected.
  • Learn about the benefits of responsible lighting so that you can communicate them: responsible lighting not only makes for a good neighbor, but it also is safer, provides better security, saves energy and money, helps wildlife, and makes your community more attractive
  • Give people credit where they have good lighting: maybe you want to talk with neighbors who have good lighting as much as with those that have less good lighting, so you can work towards a solution of which the whole neighborhood can be proud
  • Learn about local ordinances: while it might not be productive to try to “throw the book” at neighbors, being able to calmly talk with them about existing regulations might be helpful
  • Be constructive: learn about DarkSky certified lighting fixtures that satisfy responsible lighting principles and can help to keep light only where it is needed/desired, so you can suggest some solutions that keep light where the neighbors want it, but not where you don’t!

While the chapter does not have the capacity to get involved in negotiating individual situations, some of our individual council members have been willing to try to look at some individual situations, at least from the perspective of trying to provide input about whether the lighting is compliant with existing ordinances or not. If you email some photos of the situation to newmexico@darksky.org, we can see if anyone has any input and/or useful suggestions or information.

There is a bright streetlight near my home that shines into my house/yard and bothers me, what can I do?

  • Find out what jurisdiction is responsible for the offending light(s): is it the city, county, etc?
  • Determine who is responsible for setting policy for that jurisdiction and, especially, who your local representative is.
  • Learn about whether there are any ordinances in place for your jurisdiction. If ordinances exist, learn about what agency is responsible for enforcing them.
  • Learn about the benefits of responsible lighting so that you can communicate them: responsible lighting not only makes for a good neighbor, but it also is safer, provides better security, saves energy and money, helps wildlife, and makes your community more attractive
  • Communicate politely with your policy makers and enforcement agency (if appropriate) and let them know of your issue, why you think it is important, and ask them if there is anything they can do to help, either at the enforcement level or the policy level
  • Talk to your neighbors and have them make the same communication(s) if they share your concern.

Be aware that it may take time for culture to change and for responsible lighting to be installed. Many policy makers and agencies just assume that residents want more lighting, and only by having multiple residents tell them that this is not the case will the situation change! You might be surprised that it doesn’t take that many people who politely register their concerns to make a difference!

How can I get more information about research on responsible lighting and dark skies?

DarkSky International releases an annual report on Artificial light at night: State of the Science and, along with the Loss of the Night Network, DarkSky maintains a comprehensive, searchable database of scientific publications on artificial light at night (ALAN). These are great resources for getting data on various related issues!

Is it more expensive to install responsible lighting at my house?

The costs to comply with the responsible lighting and night sky protection can be very nominal compared to other obligations such as mandatory automobile insurance or property taxes. Dark sky compliant light fixtures can be purchased starting around $16 based on an internet search. (Note that if you search for “dark lighting” you may also bring up many “dark bronze” fixtures which should not be confused with dark sky compliant!)

A dark sky fixture shields the light source to prevent glare and aims the light downward where it is needed. Light that shines up or to the side is wasted light. The light source is the element of the fixture that produces the light whether it be a tradition bulb or light emitting diodes (LED). An embedded light source prevents glare from the fixture and has a 90-degree cut off at the lowest part of the fixture. The light from this type of fixture aids night vision by putting the light where it is needed, reducing contrast and the blinding glare from non-dark sky lighting.

Replacing incandescent, halogen or compact fluorescent bulbs with LED lighting has a quick return on investment on the electric bill and the useful life of the light source.

You can search for DarkSky Approved lighting at the DarkSky International Approved Lighting page

Dusk to dawn fixtures should not be used. Motion sensor lighting is more effective for security purposes and also complies with principle of using light only when needed. Leaving lights on all night for security would only make sense if you were looking out of your windows all night. Motion sensors and cameras are more effective.

Low-cost methods of responsible lighting:

  • Turn off lights when not in use.
  • Replace regular A-shape light bulbs reflector R or PAR style bulbs that shine down.
  • Avoid fixtures with clear lenses that leave the light source exposed. If you have existing fixtures like this, find creative ways to shield the light source such as stamped tin art, opaque glass or metallic hvac tape.
  • If you feel you must light a path to your home all night, use inexpensive solar lights close to the ground rather than flood lights mounted on your home.
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