John Simoneau, Director of Capital Projects
Catherine Ferdinand, Government Relations and Land Use Specialist
Tim Ryan, Executive Director of Athletics
Bowdoin College
9000 College Station
Brunswick, ME 04011
Re: Athletic Field Outdoor Lighting Certification
Dear John, Catherine and Tim:
On behalf of Southern Maine Astronomers please accept our hearty congratulations for the College’s achievement of Phase II Certification of its outdoor lighting at its renovated and redesigned sports playing fields by Dark Sky International. Such certification demonstrates that the design of your field lighting does not trespass onto adjoining properties and that you limit, to the extent necessary for the sport, the amount of aerial lighting needed, thereby reducing sky glow. Additionally, by adopting strict standards for dimming or turning off field lighting shortly after use you minimize the amount of light pollution that otherwise occurs through this necessary lighting at night.
It is also worth noting that through these facilities upgrades you have eliminated the need for noisy and polluting diesel generators that previously provided field lighting at night.
This certification demonstrates the College’s commitment to sustainability and responsible outdoor lighting at night. It will serve as a standard for other institutions and communities to apply when considering lighting outdoor playing fields. We are grateful for your inspirational work as we endeavor to preserve dark skies in Maine, not only for those of us in the astronomical community, but for all citizens and our environment.
The majesty of a dark night sky is quickly vanishing with an estimated 80% of Americans being unable to see the Milky Way. Darkness is an asset for the benefit of all of us and the countless other creatures and insects who inhabit this space with us. Your actions demonstrate what can be done with vision and commitment. Thank you for your efforts.
Sincerely,
Robert A. Burgess
President, Southern Maine Astronomers