As co-chairs of the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association, we are submitting this final letter to summarize the key points of our community education series.

Letter one defined smart lighting. Emphasized was the importance of shielding outdoor fixtures, using downlighting and not uplighting, and using sensors and timers rather than leaving outdoor lights on all night.

Next, Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) – which defines color, not brightness of a light source – was explained. The Town lighting ordinance requires all new outdoor lights have a CCT of 3000K or less, which is a guideline supported by the American Medical Association for health reasons.

Because new technologies made watts irrelevant as a measure of light output, letter three detailed how brightness is now defined by lumens.

Letter four addressed common questions. Key points are: 1) Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association does not advocate inadequate lighting, 2) Studies have shown that leaving outdoor lights on all night doesn’t decrease crime, and 3) Holiday and special event lighting and lighting controlled by timers are okay.

The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) was highlighted in the fifth letter. IDA focuses on working with communities to help develop sky-friendly lighting ordinances and programs that educate the community about smart lighting practices.

Last week’s letter summarized the benefits of achieving Dark Sky Community designation. Achieving this recognition will add to Fountain Hills’ unique identity, support the development of astro-tourism, act as a catalyst for a public observatory, support smart lighting practices, and make more people aware of our wonderful community, some of whom will choose to move here.

Later this year, we hope to celebrate with you the accomplishment of Fountain Hills being officially designated a Dark Sky Community.

Comments or questions can be emailed to info@fhdarksky.com. Also, be sure to visit our website at fhdarksky.com.