Dark Night Skies for Mental Health and Well-being

As is true for most species, humans evolved alongside and thus have an intimate connection with the day-night of our rotating Earth. Many bodily functions and daily rhythms are synchronized with the resulting light-dark patterns. The darkness that comes with night has for centuries, provided a natural cue for humans to slow down and rest, and the opportunity to reflect or quiet the mind. In this session, we will explore how dark night skies can impact mental health and well-being, and ways lighting can be managed to accommodate those with older eyes or impaired vision.

With Invited Speakers:

• Dr. Troy Allan, Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor, Home and Community, Rural Mental Health, Veteran Initiatives, Utah State University
• Dr. Kate Magargal, Assistant Professor, Honors College, and Researcher/Instructor, Minor in Dark Sky Studies Program, University of Utah
• Eunice Noell-Waggoner, Founder & President, Center of Design for an Aging Society, and past chair/member of the Illuminating Engineering Society’s Lighting for Seniors and the Visually Impaired Committee
  • Eunice will be speaking specifically on this publication: ANSI/IES RP 28-20:  Recommended Practice: Lighting and the Visual Environment for Older Adults and the Visually Impaired, as they have a 2025 update coming out soon.

REGISTER HERE for the meeting on June 4^th