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DARKSKY OHIO

Ohio Is Losing Its Night Sky—Help Us Protect It

The natural day-night cycle fuels life in ways we’re only just discovering...but what happens when daytime is unnaturally extended through artificial lighting? Disruption. Chaos. Ailment.

This isn’t an exaggeration—numerous studies are beginning to show just how artificial lighting impacts circadian rhythm, not just in humans, but in nearly every species on Earth, ultimately creating an imbalance in our ecosystem.

We all live under one sky—will you help DarkSky Ohio protect it for future generations?
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Our
Mission

DarkSky Ohio is part of the much larger DarkSky International. Our ultimate goal is to slow the ever-increasing rate of artificial lighting and the impact of light pollution in the Buckeye State. We fulfill this mission through different types of advocacy work, including non-invasive lighting surveys, helping municipalities create and enforce lighting ordinances, spreading awareness to the public through outreach, and forming coalitions throughout Ohio.

%

World’s population lives under light-polluted skies

%

Of the number of visible stars in the night sky has decreased since 2011

%

Of all outdoor lighting in the U.S. is wasted, equating to a $3.3 billion loss

%

Of fixtures contain white LEDs, a significant contributor to skyglow
A collage showing the Bortle Scale of light pollution, with 9 (showcased by West Carrollton) being the worst/urban area, the middle image showcasing a rural Bortle 5-6 region, and a lower Bortle level (3-4) showing a darker location in Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania

Why Artificial Lighting is a Problem

Mammals (including humans), amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, insects, plants, and fungi all have one factor in common—circadian rhythm. This “inner clock” is influenced by light. We were evolved to wake up at the sun’s first rays and get ready for slumber once the last of the day’s light faded (or vice-versa for nocturnal life). This has now changed, primarily due to the installation of artificial lighting fixtures throughout cities and suburbs. Daytime is now extended, and life’s circadian rhythm has been disrupted.

How It Affects Wildlife

Nearly every species reacts to light in some way; for bees, it signals a time to start pollinating; for birds, light is used for navigation. And for plants, darkness is time for respiration and regeneration. When exposing natural habitats to artificial lighting, the result is the disruption of:

  • Mating patterns
  • Plant pollination
  • Migration
  • Safety (e.g. becoming an easier target for predators)
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How It Affects Human Health

Humans have varying inner clocks (e.g. natural morning larks versus night owls), but blue light, whether from our cell phones or from LED streetlights, can disrupt our natural circadian rhythms, causing:

  • Sleep disruption
  • Hormonal regulation disruption
  • Increased risk of developing hormonal cancers (breast, prostate, etc.) and conditions like diabetes
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How It Impacts Safety & Crime

There’s no question that light makes us feel safer. The problem is that there’s no clear evidence showing a link between artificial lighting and a reduction in crime. Artificial lighting can actually impede safety and accessibility by creating glare that affects our night vision.

  • A 2015 study found that lighting, whether turned off completely, dimmed, or turned off at a specific hour, had no impact on road traffic collisions and crime
  • Ohio Park Naturalists have reported an increase in loitering when lights are kept on after hours
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How You Can Get Involved

While light pollution continues to be an issue, not just in Ohio, but throughout the world, the good news is that it’s one of the easiest environmental problems to solve. It can, quite literally, be stopped by the flick of a switch. Becoming a part of the DarkSky movement is just as easy. Here are some ways you can advocate for safer nights:
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Volunteer

DarkSky Ohio is currently looking for individuals to help raise awareness through social media, develop fundraising strategies, organize in Central, Southeast, and Northeast Ohio, offer presentations to groups and organizations throughout Ohio, and design responsible lighting.
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Subscribe to Our Newsletter

DarkSky Ohio sends out a newsletter once a month. Our newsletters provide insight into current issues related to artificial lighting, highlight advocacy projects, promote upcoming events, and offer general guidance on how to support our movement.
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Donate

If you can’t donate your time, you can also help DarkSky Ohio by donating funds directly to our chapter or by becoming an official advocate through DarkSky International. Any amount is appreciated.
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Our Current Projects

DarkSky Ohio is working on many initiatives in 2026, with the goal of developing more community partnerships, especially with environmental groups, creating coalitions throughout Ohio, and helping more municipalities explore the idea of lighting ordinances.

Community Partnerships

DarkSky Ohio is developing stronger relationships with Ohio Division of Natural Resources (ODNR), Five Rivers MetroParks, and organizations like Boonshoft Museum and COSI. Our biggest goal is to help all Ohio Parks upgrade to Dark Sky-friendly lighting to further help protect wildlife and improve astrotourism.

Coalitions

Our team is currently exploring opportunities to form coalitions throughout the Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati areas to help spread awareness and encourage lighting ordinances beyond Southwest Ohio.

Lighting Ordinances

DarkSky Ohio has consulted with various community leaders across Ohio to create comprehensive lighting laws. These laws can protect the nocturnal environment while maintaining the safety and quality of life for all. Let us help you protect the night in your neighborhood!

Stories From Ohio

Explore our blog for articles and insight into the Dark Sky movement in Ohio, or visit DarkSky International for updates on what’s happening worldwide or more in-depth light pollution resources.

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Be Part of the Dark Sky Movement

Light pollution is the only environmental problem that can be easily resolved. Whether you volunteer, talk to your neighbors, or donate, every action matters.

Protect the Night, Starting Today

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DarkSky Ohio is a 501c(3) nonprofit committed to preserving Ohio's night skies. We work to reduce light pollution and conserve Ohio's ecosystems by educating communities on the importance of responsible lighting.
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