Nantucket Lights

Thank you The Wall Street Journal for mentioning one of the best things about Nantucket: “some of the darkest skies on the Eastern Seaboard”

Whether you live here or are just visiting, be sure to Look Up! And please do your part to reduce light pollution to help preserve our beautiful night skies.

Do You Have to Be Rich to Enjoy Nantucket? Nantucket has become known for its beachfront real estate and fancy marinas. But a quieter, more laid-back version of the island exists if you know where to look.

Every light alters their night. For World Reef Day, we’re highlighting a growing but often overlooked threat to marine ecosystems: artificial light at night. Research shows that 22% of the world’s coastal waters are exposed to light pollution, disrupting the natural darkness many marine species depend on to survive. Coral reefs rely on lunar cycles to synchronize spawning. Sea turtle hatchlings use darkness to find the sea. Zooplankton rely on darkness to safely migrate toward the surface at night. Even seabirds, crabs, and jellyfish can be affected by artificial light. Blue-rich LEDs are especially concerning because their light penetrates deep into the water column, altering natural behaviors and biological rhythms below the surface. Protecting the night means protecting oceans, reefs, wildlife, and the natural rhythms of life on Earth. Learn more at our link in bio. 📷 Photo of jellyfish by Karan Karnik.

So many migrating birds still!

Learn about how light pollution disrupts marine life in the 2026 Nantucket Green Guide, now available for free at many locations around the island — as well as online at https://issuu.com/.../nantucket_bluedot_living_green_guide.

Our Field Note is on page 22:"From bay scallops and oysters to the whales and striped bass that patrol our coasts, marine life depends on natural darkness in ways we are only beginning to understand."

Thank you for including stargazing!

Listen and learn! A discussion about how light pollution impacts migrating birds, river ecosystems, insects, human health, astronomy, and our connection to the natural world.

Can CT light the way on protecting our night skies? Connecticut’s night sky is disappearing. Experts say wildlife is paying the price. We explore how artificial light impacts insects, birds and even our own health.

Lights out for migrating birds! LOTS of birds still flying over Nantucket during the night.

It’s International Day of Light.

At first glance, it might seem like an unusual day for DarkSky to celebrate. But today serves as an important reminder that while poor lighting contributes to light pollution, the solution is quality lighting.

Nothing demonstrates this better than the DarkSky Approved Outdoor Sports Lighting program. Through advanced LED technology, precision shielding, and thoughtful lighting design, even large-scale projects can meet DarkSky standards while still supporting vibrant nighttime recreation.

Projects like Franklin Road Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, developed by Musco Lighting, show that sports lighting can enhance playability while also protecting the night by reducing glare and eliminating light trespass beyond the field or into the night sky. ⚾✨🎾✨🏈✨⚽

As the sun sets tonight and lights begin to flicker on across our communities, let’s celebrate the advancements that are improving the night through responsible lighting.

Learn more about responsible outdoor sports lighting: https://bit.ly/3ZpaehR

📷 Photo of Franklin Road Academy, Nashville, Tennessee, courtesy of Musco

Yes!

Protecting our dark skies means protecting wildlife, nature, and our own well-being. Newport Tidy Towns is encouraging everyone to value the night by reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting and helping preserve a healthier environment for nocturnal animals such as bats, owls, moths, and hedgehogs. Dark skies support biodiversity, natural behaviour, and ecological balance while also allowing us to reconnect with the beauty of the stars above. Small changes in how we use light can make a big difference for our community and planet. Choose wildlife. Choose sustainability. Choose dark skies for a brighter future for everyone.

Mayo Dark Skies Wild Nephin National Park - Páirc Náisiúnta Néifinne Fiáine

More than 3x the number on Monday night. Please turn off your outdoor lights to help these migrating birds.