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Fighting Light Pollution

LIGHTS IN THE DARK The artificial lights of a small town glow against a sky full of stars. HARPAZO HOPE—GETTY IMAGES

Artificial light includes light from signs and streetlamps. These help people see once the sun goes down. But too much artificial light becomes light pollution. This makes it difficult to see a starry sky. And it affects animal behavior.

From April 21 to 28, people will celebrate International Dark Sky Week. It’s an annual event. It’s meant to inspire people to reduce light pollution. A teenager started the event in 2003. Now the event is organized by DarkSky International. The group’s website recommends that people use outdoor lighting “only when needed.” It also suggests that people “help spread the word about light pollution.” One way to do this is by gathering outdoors with friends, family, and neighbors: Get together and enjoy the glittering night sky!