Lighting for Improved Night Sky Quality at Bryce Canyon National Park

Ames-Curtis, Juli

The night sky is an important resource that is of key importance for visitors and locals. More of our children, and their children, should be able to look up at the Milky Way. We all need good outdoor nighttime lighting for visibility and safety. It is recognized that certain lights in the Bryce Canyon area impact the night shy view and are not energy efficient. A number of alternatives and resources are available to help us keep our sky dark. Choosing the proper lighting fixtures can minimize light pollution and many times save money. One of the best resources is a free energy audit from a variety of sources. Remember that not all energy audits take into account the dark sky issue. Cross reference with sources that have information on dark sky friendly fixtures and lamps. It is timely that we look at this issue now. As the Bryce Canyon area continues to grow in population and development in private, commercial and government's levels, our night sky resource will be impacted. It is with cooperation and good information that we can have the lighting needed, yet save our night sky.