In an age where the stars seem to be fading from our night skies, local administrations are beginning to rethink public lighting to tackle an increasingly widespread issue: light pollution.
Often overlooked, this phenomenon disrupts the natural cycle of darkness, negatively affecting biodiversity, human health, and the quality of astronomical observations.
A model project: technology and awareness
In this context, Asiago has launched an innovative public lighting redevelopment project, in collaboration with City Green Light, with a clear objective: to minimize light impact while maintaining safety and comfort for citizens.
Over 1.400 lighting points have been replaced, with warm 3,000 K LEDs installed—and 2,200 K near the observatory—to limit blue light emissions, the main cause of skyglow. Moreover, the new fixtures ensure zero upward light emission, thanks to carefully selected optics and photometers.
But it’s not just a technical matter: the project includes smart systems that automatically halve the light output at midnight and sensors for dynamic adjustment based on the passage of people or vehicles. The result? A reduction of over 150 tons of CO₂ emissions per year and an estimated energy saving of up to 70%.
Science at the service of cities
The fight against light pollution is also a cultural challenge. Lina Tomasella, PhD, from INAF – National Institute for Astrophysics, Padua Astronomical Observatory, highlighted that although the public sector has made progress, today 60–70% of light pollution is caused by private lighting, which is often beyond regulatory control.
A replicable model
The Asiago project demonstrates that environmental protection and innovation can go hand in hand. City Green Light, a signatory of a protocol with the Italian Amateur Astronomers Union and the International Dark Sky Association, is promoting this model in other areas as well.
Lighting where and when it is needed means restoring the starry sky to those who observe it, protecting nature, and improving life in our cities.