Lighting research center develops framework for assessing light...( Troy N.Y. The emergence of electric...)

Troy, N.Y. The emergence of electric lighting at night nearly a century ago has positively affected countless aspects of human life, ranging from improved safety and security to stronger economic development. But too much nighttime illumination can cause problems for stargazing, animal health, and may even compromise sleep, often leading some people to say "lights out."

Balancing public and private interests for nighttime lighting has been a difficult undertaking, as too little lighting may increase safety and security issues, while too much lighting may cause problems for the environment and for human well being. Scientists in the Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed the first ever comprehensive method for predicting and measuring various aspects of light pollution.

The method, called Outdoor Site-Lighting Performance (OSP), allows users to quantify and thus optimize the performance of existing and planned lighting designs and applications to minimize excessive or obtrusive light leaving the boundaries of a property.

"Until now the conversation about light pollution has been just that a lot of talk with no data," said Mark Rea, LRC director and principal investigator on the project. "The Lighting Research Center's Outdoor Site-Lighting Performance measurement method is a powerful tool, allowing users to address three important aspects of light pollution sky glow, light trespass, and discomfort glare quantitatively and at the same time."

Sky glow is defined as total amount of light leaving a property. Light trespass describes the amount of light crossing from one property boundary onto another, and discomfort glare predicts the level at which light coming from a luminaire is uncomfortable for viewers.

Although the three factors are independent of each other, each is measured using OSP, allowing users to control and maximize the positive benefits of nighttime lig
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