Outdoor Lighting Control: A Win-Win Situation!
Many people believe that astronomers are against any and all outdoor lighting. In fact, astronomers recognize the need to control lights, not eliminate them, and what is good for observatories is also good for consumers of outdoor lighting.

Today, more and more lighting manufacturers are making what they call a full cut-off fixture. This means that all light is directed down and to the sides as needed, and is prevented from shining up into the night sky. The result is more light where you want it for less electricity cost. Full cut-off lighting fixtures are required by ordinance in Jeff Davis county, the home of McDonald Observatory, but are a good idea for everyone.

If you've ever flown over a major city at night and seen the countless lights visible from the air, you've witnessed a small fraction of the estimated $1 billion per year in electricity cost wasted into the night sky. Today's manufacturers of full cut-off fixtures promote their products based on cost efficiency and quality of lighting, not on advantages for astronomy, but the advantages for all are real - a true win-win situation!

McDonald Observatory has benefited greatly from the Al Bowen Light Pollution Reduction Fund established by Texas Star Party participants. With these donated funds and the support of local residents, officials, and public utilities, dozens of full cut-off street lights and over 100 full cut-off shields have been installed in counties surrounding the Observatory.

The NEMA Head Shield Here is an example of a full cut-off shield used to retrofit a commonly used light fixture.	Sky & Telescope Magazine S &T also maintains an informative site on outdoor lighting control.
Outdoor Lighting: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly Graphic representaions of the effects of different lighting fixtures (3 X 22k).	International Dark-Sky Association The non-profit organization dedicated to making a difference through public education.