Materials for public outreach
Download and distribute these free brochures, cards, infographics, videos, and more.
The outreach materials below are wonderful tools for helping others learn about dark skies and the impacts of light pollution. Each item is available as a PDF you can download, print, and share.
DarkSky Advocates and Members in the U.S. can request a limited supply of printed materials through our request form here.
We’re deeply grateful to our amazing international community of Advocates for translating these resources. If you’d like to help with future translations or share corrections, please reach out to [email protected].
Brochure
Protect the night
DarkSky’s general brochure defines light pollution and illustrates its negative impacts on wildlife habitats, human health, community safety, and more. It also includes the Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting.
Factsheets
Light pollution…
Discover DarkSky’s factsheets and get the scoop on light pollution. Learn how it affects wildlife, human health, safety, and even your energy bills, and find out how simple, responsible lighting can protect the night.
Handout Cards
Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting
Developed jointly by DarkSky and the Illuminating Engineering Society, these five simple principles will help you reduce light pollution around your home and community. You can learn more about the Five Principles here.
Checklist
Postcard
Digital resources
Display cards
Share DarkSky’s core outreach materials easily with these portable display cards. Each card features a QR code that links to a comprehensive folder of translations, allowing community members to instantly scan, save, and share digital resources in their preferred language.
Banners and posters
Protect the night displays
DarkSky has created a series of poster designs for your next tabling event or star party. Each one highlights a specific topic, offering clear, entry-level information about light pollution, the importance of quality lighting, and our mission to protect the night.
Presentation
DarkSky basics PowerPoint presentation
Download and use this general dark sky presentation PDF, featuring an overview of the negative effects of light pollution on society and the environment.
Sample Letter
Talking to your neighbors
Have your neighbors installed lighting that shines onto your property and leaves you frustrated? We’ve created a sample letter to your neighbor (DOCX) that may help. Be sure to visit our My neighbor’s lighting page, too, for more information and suggestions on how to talk to your neighbors about their lighting.
Home Lighting Assessment
Is your home nature-, neighbor-, and night-sky-friendly?
Most people will find that a few simple changes can lead to home lighting that is both beautiful and functional, without contributing excessive light pollution.
Take the Home Lighting Assessment and share it with a friend.
Videos
Defending the Dark
Created by the Maine Public Broadcasting Network, the film “Defending the Dark” educates viewers on why it is important to preserve dark sky areas while emphasizing the unique dark sky environment in northern Maine.
