Dark nights are one of the most natural elements of life on Earth. Nearly every ecosystem depends on darkness as much as light for its well-being. We are no exception. Yet, in a little more than a century, we’ve dramatically altered our world by our unfettered use of light at night. Learn about the many impacts light has on our environment and ourselves, and discover actionable solutions to this critical issue.

Ken Walczak is the Senior Manager of Far Horizons – a scientific research and engineering program at the Adler Planetarium – engaging students, volunteers and the public in hands-on, participatory research projects. He has co-authored numerous papers on the design and use of innovative instrumentation for light pollution research. As an advocate, he has given numerous presentations on the impacts of light pollution to the public and governments. He helped in the successful designation of the world’s largest Urban Night Sky Place, The Palos Preserves southwest of Chicago, by DarkSky International in 2021. He is a photographer, formerly owned a lighting and furniture design company and is an avid astronomy and science communicator. He is a board member of the DarkSky International and an associate member of the IES.