Our Work

Artificial light at night has revolutionized the way we live and work outdoors, but it has come at a price. When used indiscriminately, outdoor lighting can disrupt wildlife, impact human health, waste money and energy, contribute to climate change, and block our view of the universe. But the problem of light pollution continues to grow. Light pollution is increasing worldwide at twice the rate of global population growth. Eight out of ten people live under a light-polluted night sky, at least three billion dollars is wasted on outdoor lighting each year in the U.S., and virtually every species studied has been harmed by light pollution.

The Comal County Friends of the Night Sky promotes win-win solutions that allow people to appreciate dark, star-filled skies while enjoying the benefits of responsible outdoor lighting and preserving our County’s rural lifestyle.

Our Vision: The night sky, filled with stars, is celebrated and protected around the world as a shared heritage benefiting all living things.

Our Purpose: To protect the night from light pollution.

Our Approach: We will realize our vision by guiding strategy, monitoring results, and supporting aligned actions among volunteers and other stakeholders. By providing leadership, tools and resources for individuals, policymakers, and industry, we will work to reduce light pollution and promote responsible outdoor lighting that is beautiful, healthy, and functional.

Our Values: In all our words and deeds we are guided by our core values.

• Passion: We are enthusiastic advocates for the night that benefits all living things, and its star-filled sky.
• Credibility : We base our actions in evidence – where it is lacking, we proceed cautiously and support rigorous inquiry.
• Relationships : We build enduring relationships to find solutions that benefit everyone.
• Consensus : We strive for consensus and invite public participation.
• Inclusion : We believe the night sky is a shared global heritage for every person for all time.
• Nonpartisan: We work to advance public policy without regard to political ideology.
• Celebration: Our spirit is enriched by the wonders of the night—from the star-studded sky to the flash of a firefly.

Key Terms:

• Light Pollution : Any adverse effect or impact attributable to artificial light at night.
• Artificial Light: Light, ranging in wavelength from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared, that is caused, directed, or used by humans for any purpose.

The plan focuses on four strategic priorities:

1. Celebrate The Night: Increase awareness of the benefits of the night for all living things, and how light pollution is an urgent environmental threat that individuals can help solve.
2. Dark Sky Protection: Protect exemplary dark skies through our certification program.
3. Lighting Where We Live: Engage cities and communities in reducing light pollution through responsible lighting policy and practice.
4. Skyshed Restoration: Implement coordinated, intentional, and scalable actions to slow, halt, and reverse the increasing rate of light pollution.

To learn more about our plan to protect the night from light pollution, or to find out more about how to support our strategic priorities, please contact us.

Protect your community from Light Pollution!

The Comal County Friends of the Night Sky was formed in March, 2020 by a group of concerned residents who first met using Zoom. We are working on several initiatives to facilitate night sky friendly lighting in order to preserve and improve the stunning night sky of the Texas Hill Country and Comal County, TX.