Synthesis of Studies on the Effects of Artificial Light at Night, 1978–2025
Balantic CM and Olstad TA . 2026. Synthesis of Studies on the Effects of Artificial Light at Night, 1978–2025. Science Report. NPS/SR—2026/457. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado. https://doi.org/10.36967/2318571
The Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division (NSNSD) works to understand, contribute to, and communicate scientific knowledge that informs management of natural and cultural resources and the visitor experience related to natural sounds and night skies. This project summarizes the results of a systematic annual query of scientific literature to provide park managers with updated knowledge about the effects of artificial light at night (ALAN). This product represents our continued efforts to describe the quantity of literature available, the types of light sources studied, and the breadth of documented effects within an accessible format. Results demonstrate the extent of scientific support for park planning and management related to ALAN. Distinct subsets of the scientific literature may be of relevance for specific locations or management actions; the authors will assist parks and regions with more detailed and specific analyses of this literature upon request. A CSV of the annual literature results is included with the report products on NPS DataStore.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Balantic, Cathleen; Olstad, Tyra
- Date of Issue
- 2026-07
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- DOI
- 10.36967/2318571
- Units
- NRSS , NSNSD