Ideas worth spreading

The problem of light pollution -- and 5 ridiculously easy ways to fix it

2,083,435 views | Kelsey Johnson • TED@NAS

Ever gaze up at the starry night sky? This stunning view is at risk of disappearing -- unless we act now, says astrophysicist Kelsey Johnson. In this fascinating, unexpectedly funny talk, she explains how light pollution affects almost every species on earth (including us) and shares five "stupidly simple" things you can do to help solve the problem.

Ever gaze up at the starry night sky? This stunning view is at risk of disappearing -- unless we act now, says astrophysicist Kelsey Johnson. In this fascinating, unexpectedly funny talk, she explains how light pollution affects almost every species on earth (including us) and shares five "stupidly simple" things you can do to help solve the problem.

About the speaker

Kelsey Johnson

Astrophysicist, writer, educator

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Kelsey Johnson has spent her life in awe of the universe, and she works to inspire that awe in future generations.

Kelsey Johnson | New York Times, 2019 | Article

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Learn more about how light pollution is threatening our ability to see the cosmos.

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The International Dark Sky Association

The International Dark Sky Association works to protect night skies.

Lonely Planet, Valerie Stimac | Lonely Planet, 2019 | Book

Dark Skies: A Practical Guide to Astrotourism

A guide to finding and experiencing dark skies around the world.

Paul Bogard | Back Bay Books, 2014 | Book

The End of Night: Searching for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light

Bogard travels the globe to find the night, blending personal narrative, natural history, health, science and folklore to shed light on darkness. Showing exactly what we've lost, what we have left, and what we might hope to regain, he attempts nothing less than a restoration of how we see the spectacularly primal, wildly dark night sky.

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About TED Institute

Every year, TED works with a group of select companies and foundations to identify internal ideators, inventors, connectors, and creators. Drawing on the same rigorous regimen that has prepared speakers for the TED main stage, TED Institute works closely with each partner, overseeing curation and providing intensive one-on-one talk development to sharpen and fine tune ideas. The culmination is an event produced, recorded, and hosted by TED, generating a growing library of valuable TED Talks that can spur innovation and transform organizations.

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