VIRTUAL EVENT: The Benefits of Dark Skies to Long Island at 7 pm Eastern from Hamptons Observatory

Learn how light pollution negatively impacts you and your community: harms health, wastes money, disrupts wildlife, is an environmental hazard, prevents our view of the starry skies and, contrary to popular belief, may even contribute to crime. Light pollution is defined as “glare, light trespass, and light which is reflected into the night sky that contributes to sky glow.” It is caused by unshielded, misplaced, excessive, or unnecessary outdoor lighting. Studies have shown that artificial light at night is detrimental to human health, wastes money, disrupts wildlife, is an environmental hazard that promotes climate change and, contrary to popular belief, may even contribute to crime. All else aside, light pollution destroys our ability to appreciate the starry wonders of the night sky. Hamptons Observatory and the Middle Country Public Library are pleased to bring you this important, free virtual discussion about how eliminating light pollution can be of benefit to you and your community. Susan Harder is the New York representative of the International Dark Sky Association, is founder of the Dark Sky Society, and a co-founder of Hamptons Observatory. During her 25 years as a dark sky advocate, she has shaped legislation to conserve energy and protect our night skies. Harder is an Illuminating Engineering Society lighting designer who educates architects, engineers and electricians about responsible lighting. She is also recipient of a Suffolk County Proclamation, which she received when she was awarded Environmentalist of the Year from the Sierra Club. REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR FREE TICKETS: https://tinyurl.com/MCPLDarkSkies