Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Looking up into a starry night sky on a clear night is a healing experience that cannot be replicated, and a needed respite from a stressful campus. The night sky allows us to see back into eternity, and witness the humbling scale of our own lives on a cosmic level, an experience that many find to be meditative. Taking AST205, a class that heavily emphasizes visual observation of the night sky, I was able to see many incredible sky objects that may no longer be visible due to increasing light pollution in the area. Walking back to my dorm after studying or working is a rare time to reflect, a reflection that is often broken by the harsh campus lighting spilling beyond areas where it is necessary. Princeton is a leader in many environmental fields, including water management and building efficiency, it too should be bold in protecting another natural treasure, the night sky.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
I grew up in a dark place with few sources of artificial light, so attending Princeton was a significant change. I have found my sleep being disrupted by harsh unshielded artificial lighting nearby my dorm room (Forbes College) despite my room shades being fully drawn. As someone who is sensitive to light changes (I wake with a sunrise clock for this reason) this is very challenging, requiring sleep aids such as melatonin and eye masks. While walking around campus at night, I have also found the artificial lighting to often be unnecessary and disruptive, with unused offices, classrooms, and construction sites shining brightly, floodlights lighting up the sides of locked buildings, or casting light directly up into the sky. The sky brightness from artificial lighting has even created a noteworthy haze on some occasions, visible as a purple hue. This is not only a tremendous waste of energy, it is disruptive to the environment (such as to migrating birds) and to student's circadian rhythms, adding to the stresses of a challenging campus. Additionally, I have found it very difficult to see the stars and other astronomical phenomena from most places on campus, another significant change from my home. For instance, when the Aurora Borealis was twice visible from New Jersey for the first time in recent memory, student's enjoyment of the phenomena (a likely once in a lifetime experience) was limited to witnessing color changes in the sky via camera phones, rather than the full dancing lightshow that should have been visible to the naked eye in a less light polluted environment. As a professional astrophotographer and amateur astronomer who is lucky enough to know the difference between a polluted and unpolluted sky, I feel a profound sense of loss being separated from the sky.
Student
Class of 2025
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Connecting with nature is always super important especially in the middle of a stressful semester, and stargazing has always been a great way for me to destress from my workload and just enjoy a few hours without thinking about much. The observation sessions I did for ast205 were some of the most enjoyable moments of my semester, and I hope that future students can experience the same joy that I did.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Connecting with nature is always super important especially in the middle of a stressful semester, and stargazing has always been a great way for me to destress from my workload and just enjoy a few hours without thinking about much. The observation sessions I did for ast205 were some of the most enjoyable moments of my semester, and I hope that future students can experience the same joy that I did.
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Absolutely. As an economics major, I took AST205 at first to fill a requirement. However, shortly after starting classes, I became fascinated with the night sky and our place in the universe. The stargazing and observations that we did for the course were some of the most rewarding learning experiences I’ve ever had. I got to see distant stars, planets in our solar system (like Jupiter and Saturn), and even other galaxies. These hands-on experiences makes classes like AST205 what they are, and it helps students fully grasp the magnitude of what they’re learning. Even walking back from dinner late at night, I love the moments where I get to stare at the night sky and think about my place in our solar system, our galaxy, and our universe. I’ve even had friends remark to me, unprompted, how “cool,” “incredible,” or “beautiful” the night sky looked. There are major educational, spiritual, and mental health benefits to having a great view of the stars in the sky. All Princeton students benefit from living under a beautiful starry sky.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Light pollution has already made it somewhat difficult to observe the night sky. When doing observations in AST205, Prof Bakos had to ensure that the stadium lighting was off before we began our star parties. Even when observing from a big open field like Poe Field, which my group did frequently for observations, the nearby light pollution of Yeh/NCW Colleges and the geoscience building interfered with optimal observation conditions. I worry that our current infrastructure renovations are inadvertently overlooking the value of a starry night in specific spots on campus. Of course, Princeton needs to grow to accommodate its growing student population and academic needs. However, this does not mean that we must also diminish the quality of the night sky. These two goals can be pursued together, leading to great outcomes for our campus, and for the thousands of stargazers in the Princeton community.
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
When I was a student in AST205, the Star Parties were very educational and very fun to attend at night with the class. At my first Star Party I was able to see a phase of the moon and planets in the night sky. I also remember some of these views being obstructed from the football stadium lights at 11pm. When I would stargaze alone for the class, I would set up my telescope at night and draw a rough sketch of the constellations I saw. Growing up in a major city, I rarely saw stars in the sky until I came to Princeton and was taught to observe the sky in my first semester in AST205. I learned to appreciate the beauty of the night sky and saw constellations and bright planets for the first time. AST205 showed me the simplicity and necessity of observing the stars through the hands-on experience of using a telescope to look above. Looking at pictures versus seeing the stars with your own eyes is a very different experience and crucial to this very important course.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
At the Star Parties I noticed difficulty seeing with the stadium lights fully on at 11 o'clock at night. The Poe Field lights are also very bright as someone who lives right next to the field. Light is good in dark walking places for safety; however, excessive light in unused areas at night ruins the ambiance and becomes a distraction for learning in classes that conduct outside research or for simple studying. The signs outside of the McGraw Center are also very bright and startling at night.
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Of course, I see a value in Princeton having a starry sky - giving astronomy students (or any student interested in the night sky, for that matter, as observation nights are frequent) a hands-on opportunity to see the planets, stars, and galaxy that we learn about in class is an essential part of the course curriculum.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
I do not have first-hand experience with light pollution on campus, but I do know that the light pollution caused by the new life sciences building poses a threat to Peyton Hall's observatory, which is a location on campus that I significantly care about.
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes! it makes the campus so much prettier and allows us to keep our astro classes!
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
yes i find it hard to sleep in my room because of all the light that shines in
Alumni
Class of 2024
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
While I was an English major and originally took the course as a distribution requirement, I have very fond memories of AST205 and I am sure I will remember it for a long time. I have found peace in the night sky, and looking for a planet among the stars has become somewhat of a grounding exercise over the years. Being able to point out Jupiter is also just a cool skill. It's comforting to know that no matter where I am -at home in Europe or back on campus - the stars and the Moon are the same. I even had a stargazing date on the golf course 2 years after taking the class, and I still have the Stellarium app downloaded on my phone. None of this would have been possible with a light-polluted Princeton sky.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
I lived in Grousbeck Hall for 2 years, and the lights from the soccer field often bothered me at night
Student
Class of 2025
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes. I love seeing a clear night sky, and it makes me very sad when increasing light pollution prohibits viewing a peaceful and beautiful sky
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes. There are too many unnecessary lights. It makes it tough to go asleep for certain dorm rooms, and it makes nighttime less relaxing and peaceful
Student
Class of 2025
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes, taking Ast205 was a great experience highlighted by nighttime observing of the nights sky.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
More light pollution has made observing the night sky increasingly difficult. To not preserve this feature of our campus would be a disservice to both our schools beautify and comment to the sciences.
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
I do, as my favorite class I have taken so far was my Planets in the Universe class. An essential piece of the class was nighttime sky observing on campus, which was one of the coolest and most interesting things I have done while at Princeton. I would not have taken nearly as much from this class without this experience, and now find myself looking up at the stars every time I am walking campus at night.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Light pollution made the completion of my course in Planets in the Universe quite difficult. The ideal place to stargaze is on the golf course, but when rainy conditions come up this is not quite possible, so we have to pivot and use Poe field for observations. This was an extremely difficult spot to spot the same number of bodies in the sky as buildings and light fixtures illuminated the dark night sky.
Student
Class of 2025
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
YES! As a former student in AST observation courses I realize that the only way students can get hands on experience with the night sky is to actually be able to see it! Also, a night sky is just beautiful for its own merit and worth and should not be destroyed.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes, there are so many pointless lights. In my sophomore year there was even an unnecessary wall light directly outside of my bedroom window in holder hall which disrupted my sleep on many, many occasions.
Student
Class of 2025
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes! It was a great part of my experience in Princeton Astronomy courses.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
The lamps on prospect street are especially egregious and wasteful and block out the night sky
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes, I do see a value in Princeton having a starry sky. I took the course AST205, where we were tasked to take specific images of the beautiful sky. Professor Bakos would stay with us and make sure that we all properly learned how to manage the scope and camera, and quickly identify certain stars, planets, and other things scattered in our sky. Those were often my favorite days. I will never forget the day he taught my group how to properly read the sky because it’s a skill I use today. I’ve taken many friends outside of Forbes Backyard and enjoyed the beautiful scene of sky without light pollution.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes I have. Sometimes, it distracts me from trying to go to a place where I can get away from lights and noise. Too many lights don’t let me focus on my work or my meditation either. Which is why I always have to resort to going to my room, which so happens that a light is in front of it.
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
I do see value, and a lot of it. Viewing the starry sky has become an interest, and even hobby, for many students once given professional instruction by an experienced professor. Being a Princeton student involves having the opportunity to explore different aspects of life inside and outside of academics, including night observations of the stars. Having this opportunity has definitely given me a different outlook on life in general, and a deeper appreciation for the things around me.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
I have experienced light pollution on campus when trying to make observations of the stars at night. This disturbed my group and I, because once my group and I were finally available to meet together to make our observations for our AST205 class, we had no choice but to figure out how to make the most of it. Thanks to what Professor Bakos taught us, we were able to distinguish some constellations and planets even with the light pollution, but it is very obvious that future students won’t be able to benefit from this aspect of the class if the light pollution gets worse than it already is.
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
The most unique and fun part of AST 205 was the star parties. It would be such a bummer if Princeton made it impossible to do those in the future.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Light pollution messes with the natural ecosystem and the wild animals around our campus. We shouldn't exacerbate the problem any further.
Student
Class of 2025
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Absolutely. AST 205 was one of my favorite classes despite knowing nothing going into it. I learned to appreciate looking at the night sky for planets and constellations and still do regularly no matter where I am.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes. I was trying to observe the stars on Poe field and the buildings were so bright that it made it extremely difficult. It used to be the best place to observe during class.
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Having a starry sky in Princeton is very important to me; not only did I grow up in Princeton in awe of the sky, it sounds cliche, but looking at the stars at night helped me ground myself in the context of the entire world while also allowing my mind and dreams to reach no bounds. As a student, it is inspiring for me to be able to look up at the sky and reflect on my life, my studies, and what is important to me. I think that recently, it has been increasingly harder to see the stars at night, which has been upsetting since the stars are so important to my mental, academic, and spiritual health.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes, and it has disturbed me greatly as someone who has lived in Princeton since elementary school-- I find it very agitating that there is so much light and light pollution on campus since it not only messes with my circadian rhythm but also with my actual sleep. I have been a student on campus for three years now, and it has been nearly impossible to fall asleep in all of my dorm rooms because a light has somehow always shone through my window, making it difficult to fall asleep.
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes I do, my ast 205 is a class I will never forget because I was able to see things outside of this planet. Stars are one thing you cannot build and the one thing that will forever have longevity past our man made buildings and architecture. If Princeton strives to be number one, we need the best view of the stars and not just pretty buildings that only glimmer in the day.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes, my observations for my ast 205 class were halted due to not being able to imagine anything without using a military grade telescope. After an extremely hard practice, I want to be able to look up and walk with the stars in the sky, not a foggy plain blue color.
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
There is a ton of value in maintaining Princeton's starry sky! AST 205 was one of my favorite classes at Princeton to this day and my favorite assignment of that class was undoubtedly our stargazing assignments where we had to plot the night sky. Princeton is a very special and remote feeling place, and it feels wrong to disturb the feeling of such a tranquil, quiet area of natural beauty with the disappearance of such a vibrant night sky.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
During the star gazing assignments, our team was required to go to the backyard of Forbes as the only place that would allow us to record the required assignment media without light pollution limiting our vision. However, even in the backyard it was still very evident that the light emitting from campus was obstructing and hurting the turnout of our photos.
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes - there is an immense value in being able to learn about the night sky by looking at the stars. As a former student of AST 205, the star parties were an amazing opportunity to work with practical tools, such as telescopes, and to see class concepts manifest themselves in real life.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
It cam be difficult to look at the night sky for research and observational purposes with the growing prevalence of light pollution. There should be a way to implement friendlier light fixtures without sacrificing the opportunity to look at the night sky.
Alumni
Class of 2024
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
One of the first things that I noticed when I moved to Princeton from Arizona was the light pollution. I was lucky enough to grow up in an area where I could watch meteor showers from my backyard and drive 20 minutes to a dark desert with a view of the Milky Way. The many nights that I spent under dark, starry skies is what instilled in me the curiosity that led me to be an astrophysics major (for my first two years, at least). Although I lived in Rocky College, I walked to the opposite end of campus every day to work in my study spot of choice - Forbes Cafe. I loved to study there because, upon completing my work late at night, I could walk out into the Forbes backyard and get a good view of the stars. When my physics classes got unbearably hard, I could reinvigorate my passion and excitement for learning about the cosmos by staring out into the night sky. It's far too easy to get wrapped up in the busyness and stress of the Orange Bubble, and reconnecting with nature and remembering our place in the Universe is an excellent reminder of our humanity. After graduating from Princeton, I accepted a job with the University and searched for off-campus housing. In the end, I chose a house right next to the Billie Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve so that a view of the night sky and access to nature could be within walking distance. I hope that the University can decrease light pollution on campus so that students are afforded the opportunity to take in the beauty of the night sky. I hope that other communities follow Princeton's lead in this endeavor so that everyone can experience the night sky. My favorite feeling in the world is the electric flash of wonder and awe that comes when you catch a glimpse of a shooting star. I hope that experience is not soon lost due to our irresponsible production of light pollution.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
See above.
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes. Since Princeton is lucky enough to be situated next to a smaller town and not a large city, I have been able to stargaze unlike back home. To me, this is an important facet to protect, seeing as other students can likewise examine what lies beyond our atmosphere.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
The most prominent experience was during a Star Party my group was conducting for AST 205. We happened to go observing on election night, when Whig Hall had a light show going on. Although the other decorations and celebrations were enjoyed, the lights prevented us from getting the best images and seeing the most stars possible that night. As well, the light show seemed like an unnecessary addition to the decorations.
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Princeton is known, among many things, for its beauty, and a starry sky is a very valuable part of that, especially for our many students that come from populated urban areas where they can't see the stars. I remember the first time my friend from Philadelphia went out to the golf course by Forbes and was amazed at all the stars she could finally see. It's truly so transformative to see. It's also a point of cultural heritage that we should work to preserve. Countless mythologies across cultures around the world are based in the sense of magic held by the stars. They should be preserved as well as any historical or cultural artifact dug up from the ground. Lastly, if the aesthetics and the cultural importance of the aesthetics of a starry sky aren't enough — Princeton is first and foremost a research institution. It was my absolute privilege to get to take a class with Prof. Bakos, a leading scholar in astrophysical sciences. It was incredible to have the opportunity to study under someone who is actively discovering the exoplanets and applying the methods we learn about as a leading researcher in this field. Light pollution on campus actively harms not only the undergraduate (& community auditor) experience in this single class (which is already a shame, because the observation nights, or "star parties," were the highlight of the class), but also ruins opportunities for the extremely talented researchers at Princeton's Department of Astrophysical Sciences to properly execute their research, further the collective knowledge of the field, and contribute to the larger world of astrophysical sciences on Princeton's behalf. Surely it is clear that Princeton has no reason besides ignorance, carelessness, and greed to not include the reduction of light pollution on campus in its list of priorities. We were shown in class possible models of easy fixes to campus light pollution, including models of street lighting that are not only better for the sky, but safer and healthier for students. These models emphasize the reduction of glare when walking, increasing visibility for pedestrians at night, as well as the reduction of excess light shining intrusively into students' dorms and harming our sleep patterns. The solutions already exist and have been thought of in detail. Princeton has no excuse to not implement them if they care about their students, their faculty researchers, and their contribution to the preservation of cultural heritage.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Light pollution has taken away a magical starry sky. Inefficient street lighting often causes glare that actually makes it harder to see when walking at night, the glare of each lamp jarring to the human eye attempting to adjust to a darker environment. The lights by every construction sight pointed inexplicably towards my eyes rather than towards the ground they're actually supposed to illuminate — as well as the ridiculously bright new screen in front of Frist Campus Center — are some of many examples of light pollution on campus. My freshman year dorm had a street lamp outside my window that never allowed the room to be fully dark, which is important for sleep. While I could have resolved this by closing the blinds, the blinds would then block the little sunlight I could get in the morning. Overall, it is clear that Princeton has not prioritized the ability to follow one's natural Circadian rhythms at all, and light pollution is a large part of it. Lastly — the stars are an incredible sight. Everyone deserves to see them. And Princeton has the means to offer everyone not only the opportunity for a top-class education, but also to experience the magic of a starry sky. For people from the city, they may not have seen the stars before, and they deserve to be able to. But also for people from rural areas with starrier skies, seeing the same starry sky can make them feel a little less homesick, which is something that many college students go through. I know that I feel a little better looking at Orion's belt and knowing that it's the same Orion's Belt I can see back home. But there are so many more stars in the sky than the ones we can see. When I took AST205, learning just how many stars are truly in the sky — not absent, but obscured — just made me sad. How much beauty are we missing due to carelessness?
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes, because of Princeton's particular location it has a unique level of control over having s starry sky that a different campus such as Harvard or Columbia wouldn't have. One of the best parts of campus is how it is surrounded by nature and has plenty of open space.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
I was stargazing with friends during a meteor shower, but it was difficult to see because of the amount of light in our location at the time (Around Prospect Ave)
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Apart from the obvious educational value provided by having access to the night sky, the ability to gaze upon the stars has been defining for my Princeton experience. Walking back to my dorm or to a study spot at night and looking up at the sky instills students with a sense of wonder and curiosity. Moreover, the night sky is a key part of Princeton's famously beautiful campus in my eyes.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
When stargazing in AST205, I often had difficulty viewing constellations and comets, impairing my ability to participate in the course. The night sky is the common heritage of mankind, something which should be treated as a human right rather than polluted. When I periodically return to my hometown, I am usually astounded by the light pollution there, even though it is a suburb of similar size to Princeton. I can rarely see any stars in the sky at all. I would be profoundly disappointed in Princeton if the university were to take these steps backwards environmentally, especially while better solutions present themselves.
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Princeton prides itself on having a beautiful campus, and at a place with so much rigor, Princeton’s beauty encourages students to spend time outside. And as we saw with the northern lights’ visibility over New Jersey, a beautiful sky gives students something to appreciate together even if we’re on opposite sides of campus.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Sometimes I look at the sky and see few stars, and instead see a smear of lighter sky caused by the stadium lights. Not being able to see the stars in the sky is a reminder of campus’s overusage of electricity, and it ultimately feels like a waste of energy.
Alumni
Class of 2016
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Absolutely. AST205 was one of my favorite courses because of its outdoor component of setting up a telescope and viewing celestial bodies with fellow classmates. I still look back fondly on those moments. I remember having to go to the Forbes golf course and the boathouse, but how cool would it be to have a centrally located light-free zone to view stars? I think with concerns of global warming and general environmental devastation, having a sanctuary of sorts at the heart of the Princeton campus would send a message to young undergraduates and spark a passion and enduring love for the environment - sky included.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Princeton is a beautiful place to walk around during the day - less so at night. As a rugby player, I remember how harsh the stadium lights were when we practiced there. I remember walking around Frist and Frick and thinking - wow, these are some harsh white lights. I can't point to any single moment of great discomfort, but I remember feeling that the campus lighting at night was quite harsh.
Student
Class of 2025
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes! AST205 is the best class we have at Princeton, and Gaspar is our best and most accomplished teacher.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Not being able to see the stars at night makes me want to rip my hair out. WHAT HAPPENED TO PRINCETON BEING ANTI POLLUTION? this place doesn’t care about students or the environment
Alumni
Class of 2015
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
As a student of philosophy, I took seriously Aristotle's exhortation to contemplate the celestial bodies as a part of the good life. So I took astronomy with Professor Bakos, and enjoyed it tremendously. Considering the universe, its stars (and their planets!), is awesome in the most literal sense: it provokes awe, wonderment, and a sublime sense, a humbling perspective, for how small we are. It's a tremendously valuable experience, and one that should be preserved for future generations of Princeton students.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Pollution sullies natural beauty. Light pollution is no exception to this rule. Needless light at night prevents us from gazing at the natural beauty of the cosmos. I remember even ten years ago having some difficulty getting away from the lights of campus. And returning to Princeton since, I've noticed more needless light at night---parking garages floodlit near once-barren spaces we used to go to observe other worlds. Now those worlds are shut off from view, veiled from our eyes of our own doing. This saddens me. I worry that current and future Princeton students won't be able to have the wonderful experiences that I had.
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Princeton having a starry sky allows me to take a mental break after long, exhausting days of studying, classes, and meetings. Coming from New York City and coming to Princeton, observing the starry night sky was an unexpected joy I've discovered. I've really appreciated being able to view and learn about the stars and feel a greater sense of perspective and curiosity of the world.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Despite living in Rockefeller college, on the opposite corner of campus, I frequently see the strong stadium lights brightening the night sky and prevents the viewing of many stars.
Student
Class of 2028
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
As a student of AST 205, the clear night sky served as an endless academic and creative inspiration. In order to fully appreciate the concepts learned in class and to conduct observations, a sky replete with visible stars was necessary. Separately, I found that the night sky was conducive to creativity and community, inspiring me often to write and to engage in conversations with others. One weekend, my friends and I spent a night stargazing in order to see a meteor shower, during which we discussed philosophy and history, among many other things.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Light pollution on campus interfered with my astronomical observations, making it difficult to examine certain celestial bodies. Poe field initially seemed to be a convenient location for observing, though its proximity to the flood lights of the stadium prevented me from properly using my telescope or taking photographs.
Alumni
Class of 2023
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes definitely, I really enjoyed the opportunity to attend star parties organised by Professor Bakos from the roof of Peyton Hall building. Having the possibility to observe, photograph and discover the sky REGULARLY and FROM THE CAMPUS with a leading Professor who discovered hundreds of exoplanets is a real and unique opportunity given to Princeton students. That is not something other universities based in cities can offer without hours of drive to reach a dark sky. In addition to this, the largest telescopes accessible to students are based in Peyton and cannot be easily moved to a dark sky (they are heavy). The Peyton dome is also hiding has a nice fixed telescope which becomes pretty much unusable when all the buildings and stadium lights are turned on. I also keep good memories of the star parties on the golf course, but it is further away and only the lightest/smallest telescopes could be carried there. I also kept nice memories of star parties held at the Institute of Advance Studies with a wider audience, but the site was unfortunately too bright due to light pollution and we were not able to really see overwhelming fainter objects such as Galaxies.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
The light curtains of our residence could not stop the light from the street lights. The light is unnecessary powerful and present all night long. Over the years I noticed that my sleep quality is much better when the room is really dark.
Student
Class of 2025
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes! I loved AST205 and the observing sessions were unbelievable. I think that having a great place to observe is integral to drive interest toward the field.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
I live very close to campus, and the amount of stars I can see when I'm home versus when I am on campus is extremely noticeable. Additionally, my AST205 project was quite difficult unless I was on the Forbes backyard as the majority of campus was very polluted by light.
Alumni
Class of 2019
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes! AST 205 was the course that exposed me to the beauty of the night sky in our various observations. Although I was an ECO major, this course was one of my most memorable during my time at Princeton. It made me appreciate the STN requirement and the liberal arts curriculum of the U. Since my time in AST, I’ve continued attending a few star observation parties with the AST department and it’s one of the activities that keeps me closer to the U as an alum.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Light pollution made it harder to observe the stars while on campus during class and after my classes as a recreational observer. Back when I was at Princeton from 2015 to 2019, we had to often request light blackouts from nearby structures, such as the football stadium so that we could effectively observe the night sky from Peyton Hall. if there is more construction on campus that contributes to this light pollution , coordination for blackouts would be harder, if not impossible
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes as it motivates students to do their work, whether in astrophysics or in art.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
The lighting at the Lewis for the Arts Center is much too strong and constant over night, making it difficult to see the stars.
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Absolutely. The ability to observe a starry sky fosters curiosity, wonder, and an appreciation for our place in the universe. It is a unique and irreplaceable aspect of education in astronomy and environmental sustainability. A starry sky connects students and faculty to something much larger than themselves, encouraging scientific inquiry and a deeper respect for the natural world. Beyond academics, it also contributes to the campus’s charm and character, enhancing the experience of everyone who lives, studies, and works here.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes, light pollution on campus has been noticeable. Bright, unshielded lights often make it difficult to see stars clearly, especially near residential areas and walkways. This not only limits opportunities for astronomy courses like AST205 but also affects the nighttime ambiance of Princeton. Additionally, overly bright lights outside dorm windows make it harder to sleep and disrupt the natural rhythm of campus life. Shielded, dark-sky-friendly lighting could preserve the night sky while still ensuring safety and functionality.
Alumni
Class of 2017
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes 100%! Some of my fondest memories at Princeton were taking AST205 and getting to learn from Prof. Bakos and his wonderful TA's about the science of hunting exoplanets, and how to identify objects in the night sky. Those memories go far beyond classroom lectures because of the immersive and observational approach of the class. I was a Computer Science major, but I had a passion for Astrophysics, and I felt incredibly lucky to be able to feed that passion in such a rigorous and *practical* environment. Most STEM classes require special equipment and laboratories to get practical experience with the material that we were learning in class. While Astrophysics requires some viewing equipment, we had the privilege of our laboratory being an unlimited resource: the night sky. To date, I still retain a lot of the knowledge I gained in AST205. I am a member of the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers, where a lot of that knowledge comes in handy. I would not have retained that much information or had such a positive experience with the class had it not been for the immersive and observational approach of the Astrophysics department. Protecting Princeton’s starry sky is essential to ensuring future students have the same chance to connect with the universe in a meaningful and transformative way.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes I did. I remember us having to change where we would go for our observation sessions based on what campus lights were on, and how bad the light pollution was that evening. And even then, the "darker" places we would find for observation were still light polluted, just less so. It was often difficult for us to observe certain celestial objects because it was simply too bright, which was a pity. It's worth noting that some of the highest observatories in the USA are starting to suffer from the effects of light pollution. I visiting the Mauna Kea observatory in Hawaii, which was built in that location precisely because of its relatively isolation, and it's STILL getting negatively affected by the light pollution from the small nearby cities on the island. As an institution with a reputation for quality instruction and commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, it is our responsibility to lead by example. Doing so will not only ensure that students of Astrophysics continue to receive top-tier practical education, but will also preserve the beauty of the night sky for future generations. This is our chance to ensure that those who come after us can experience the sky as it’s truly meant to be seen and to prove that we can get there without sacrificing the livability and safety of our cities.
Alumni
Class of 2017
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes, having the opportunity to stargaze on campus was an absolute joy and highlight of my time as an undergrad. I only had a chance to attend a couple star parties at Peyton Hall but enjoyed the experience immensely, especially seeing celestial bodies that I didn't expect to be able to see. Going out onto the golf course behind Forbes at night to do astrophotography has also remained a core memory of my college years.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
It's been a while since I was on campus, but I think the level of lighting at night was pretty reasonable in 2013-2017. I never felt unsafe walking through campus at night.
Alumni
Class of 2016
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Coming from a remote area, I was used to being able to observe the night sky. When much of the campus felt unfamiliar due to the very high level of human structure imposed on the campus’ landscape and the demands of academics, a new social life, and extracurriculars, being able to find a dark, quiet place to look at the stars was an important and accessible way to recover. The golf course in particular was somewhere I often visited for this purpose.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
From 2012-2016 I was about to access dark shores on the golf course, which was helpful, but ambient lights did impact my sleep. Light shielding and less polluting styles of lights seem like small things to ask from Princeton projects, given the amount of care that goes into so many parts of them.
Alumni
Class of 2024
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Princeton having a starry sky holds immense value, as it creates opportunities to connect deeply with the universe in ways that are both intellectually and personally transformative. During my senior year, I took AST 205 with Prof. Bakos, which was a highlight of my Princeton experience. The course made me realize how beautiful the night sky is, and to this day, I am captivated by its wonders. That semester, inspired by the Princeton Star Parties in AST 205, my roommates and I planned a trip to Death Valley in Nevada. We ventured into the desert at night, eager to apply what I had learned from Prof. Bakos. It was an absolutely incredible experience—seeing the Milky Way for the first time completely changed my perspective on the scale and vastness of the universe. That moment was awe-inspiring and humbling, and it is my hope that other Princeton students have the opportunity to experience the same kind of wonder and connection through a dark, starry sky.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
It was difficult to observe the night sky from most places on campus. I lived on Prospect Avenue and viewing from that area of campus was difficult due to the disturbing and poorly designed street lighting. Observing from Peyton Hall was also difficult due to Stadium lights and the new engineering building which was in construction at that time.
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
There is a ton of value in Princeton having a starry sky. Beyond our work in AST205, Princeton is the only place I've ever lived where you can see the stars routinely. Coming from a city, I really enjoyed the chance to sit and watch the sky, and it is one of my favorite things to do.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
I remember several times in AST205 when we would go out observing as part of our class work. It was hard to find sufficiently dark spaces to look through our telescope or take pictures, since there was so much light coming from buildings. Even the dark spot on the golf course was a bit bright.
Alumni
Class of 2016
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
There is absolutely value in Princeton having a starry sky! I have such strong memories of the star parties and observational opportunities that came with AST250. They offered the academic benefit of bringing lectures and problem sets to life — observing the night sky was always an informative and joyful connection of concept to reality. I remember being assigned to a group study of Cygnus, but not feeling a particular enthusiasm for the project until we met together one evening and searched the skies for it. It’s a great loss to think that Cygnus still soars, but is hidden from Princeton’s eyes. And the starry sky is not just good for study; it’s good for the soul! I treasure the communal experience of gathering in the crisp night air, munching coffee beans, and sharing in wonder. So many night hours of a Princeton students’ career are spent looking down, studying under the bright lights of student centers and libraries. We cannot forfeit the joy of rising, walking into the peaceful dark, and looking up to a sky of incomprehensible beauty and complexity.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
-
Alumni
Class of 2017
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes, it's a connection to the physical world that often feels fragile in our increasingly digital lives
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes, it made sleep more difficult for me until I got an eye mask
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Having a beautiful starry sky can encourage students including myself to be more involved in astronomy. Ever since I have taken AST205, I have always looked at the night sky in a different perspective as it leaves wonders and fascinating personal thoughts.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Firstly, it simply looks much worse. It really limits everyone on campus in viewing nice astronomical observations. It also negatively impacts human and animal life when it comes to sleep patterns and the safety of habitats.
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
When my father asked me right before college what I'd miss about being home, the first thing I thought of was "stars." I was really pleasantly surprised that we can see a fair scattering here, and it's wonderful. Not being able to see stars feels like blindness. Or being able to see the aurora last semester, which was so cool.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
I feel like there's ambient light pollution on campus. It isn't awful, but it is around. Sports fields seem to be the worst. My room faced the soccer field by Yeh first year, and even with the blackout shades, I knew what time the floodlights went off (evwn when no one was using the fields). The football field always makes one horizon lavender bright. I understand that for safety (both perceived and actual) there needs to be some lighting, but it could be smarter.
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
I think Princeton is very fortunate amongst top colleges for having a relative ease of access to nature compared to the bustling city. Our campus definitely reflects that value with our architecture being integrated with trees and shrubs. The night sky is another aspect of that nature access -- that can't ordinarily be accessed from the city but can be seen from Princeton. I'm part of our astronomy club, and sometimes it feels like a shame that there feels like a slight limit in places where we can observe. We typically go to the backyard of Forbes, but a dark sky campus might be nice for observing in other areas. It would certainly help our stargazing. I do think there are spaces on campus could be well-illuminated to reflect that our campus is constantly lively and accessible no matter the hour of the day. In others, it is best to leave it dark.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
I live at Yeh College, and the lights outside my window (near the soccer field) can make it hard to sleep. I have to close my shutters completely every night, but it would be nice to have a medium balance.
Alumni
Class of 2016
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Absolutely. I took AST 205 my senior year and it was one of my favorite classes at Princeton. I vividly remember seeing Saturn and the Pleiades at a viewing party for the class, and it's one of my fondest memories of my time there. We come from the stars, after all.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
To an extent - it's worse now than how it was during my time, from what I understand. I'd rather not have to trek to the golf course on a freezing night to see stars! Compare it to a recent trip I took to New Zealand, where I visited the Dark Sky Project on Lake Tekapo. The whole town abides by dark sky regulations and the starry views are breathtaking. We should make more of an effort in this country to preserve such views.
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes, there is something unique about seeing the stars. I have taken a few friend star gazing in a dark sky zone and each one is amazed. I think everyone deserves the chance to see the stars and they are currently inaccessible
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes, the stadium lights are quite bright and remove the tranquility of night. With more targeted lighting it would restore the beauty of the night sky. And I might help a few students go to bed earlier!
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
I love looking up and seeing the stars, especially in places that should probably be dark like Poe Field and the dorm areas. I think lighting some of the pathways are important, but being able to go outside, especially in the warmer months, and relax while looking at the stars is a key part of mine and many of my friends Princeton experiences
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
I live in Bloomberg facing Poe field, and the lights around Poe field are often shining directly into my window late at night. I would like to be able to keep my windows open while having more darkness outside so that my room can get darker. I don’t think the lights should be eliminated late at night, but perhaps dimmed or made with a warmer light color
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes, I value Princeton having a starry sky, as it is a good way to remain grounded and to remember the role Princeton plays in taking care of the planet as a whole. As Princeton works to become a greener and cleaner campus, there is no reason that this should not apply to light pollution as well as physical pollution. If Princeton University is truly committed to having zero harmful emissions, then they need to consider reducing light pollution. The reason to do so is two-fold. On the one hand, reducing light pollution will reduce emissions, but on the other hand, any light directed into the sky is wasted, and fails to light up where people can actually take advantage of it. As such, if the University makes it lights more efficient and less light polluting, they can use less energy to light up more area on the ground.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Coming from a rural background with very little light pollution, it is highly disturbing to only be able to see a dozen or so stars on the clearest nights here on campus. Compared to the nearly infinite stars that I am able to see back home, it is quite disorienting to only be able to see a few stars at a time. In addition to being a jarring change for moving to campus, it is hard to hear other students speak of seeing the most stars in their lives on campus. Beyond the psychological damage in not being able to see the night sky, the light pollution across campus makes it difficult to sleep at night, especially when living on a lower level in the dormitory buildings. Due to the fact that lights on campus are not directed, they shine into dorm windows and can make it hard to relax and get good quality sleep.
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Seeing the stars in the sky is such an amazing experience and one that contributes to a happier and more fulfilling life. Having grown up in rural areas, I cannot overstate how calming and enriching looking at the stars in the sky is, especially after a long day. Princeton, as wonderful an environment as it is, can often feel a bit desolate and isolating at night when the only thing visible is an expansive void in the sky.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes; very often I am unable to see more than one or two stars in the sky, and the lack of a starry sky has exacerbated other mental health issues I've experienced, including contributing to heightened feelings of loneliness and depression.
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes, I enjoy stargazing as a study break. I also find that looking at the stars while walking home from the library at night is grounding/calming when I'm stressed.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
The lamps lining the sidewalk on Elm Street and the walkway from Yeh/NCW to PNI cast a lot of light in different directions, making it feel too dark because they are not illuminating the path enough. If that same amount of light was directed downwards, I think those areas would feel better lit.
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
I see massive value for this—as someone who regularly stargazes on Poe Field, the light pollution interferes with my stargazing. Additionally, some professors in the astronomy department use telescopes to support coursework, such as in my freshman seminar where Professor Vanderbei used telescopes to show astronomical phenomena. To reduce light pollution would improve astronomical observations, crucial for students studying these endeavors.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
See above
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
I see great value in Princeton having a starry night sky because it adds to the natural beauty of the campus, allows for greater research to be conducted on campus which will bolster the astrophysics department, and of course will enhance the experience in AST205 greatly! I had such a positive experience in this course, which I intended to take as a 5th course PDF that I would not give much attention to, but after attending the first star party I was absolutely hooked. Never have I taken a course as formative and hands-on as AST205, and it inspired a new hobby of mine, viewing the night sky at Princeton. I hope that Princeton takes preventative measures against light pollution so that I can continue to appreciate the beauty of the night sky at school and so that future students may get a similar experience to mine.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes, light pollution greatly affects how much we were able to view in star parties and muddies the intricacies of the night sky quite a bit. For example, I would have loved to view the Milky Way with the naked eye under Professor Bakos' guidance, but the light pollution at Princeton makes this nearly impossible. This course also exposed how much light on campus really is unnecessary or excessive at night, such as the bright stadium football lights or the oppressive floodlights that taint natural, wooded spaces home to native wildlife.
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Princeton having a starry sky not only makes it more beautiful, but it makes it a more peaceful place to live. I come from a rural area and being able to see the stars reminds me a lot of home. Furthermore, in AST205, I was fascinated by the celestial bodies that you could see with and without a telescope, and it would be a shame for perspective stargazers to lose that opportunity.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Light pollution on campus disturbs me when I'm trying to sleep as well as when I'm trying to observe the sky. During my time in AST205, it was very hard to get good glimpses of the stars with all the buildings that shed light on campus. Additionally, in more day-to-day life, it is difficult to wind down and go to sleep when there are more and more nighttime lights on campus. I understand that many students can be awake late at night, but that is a symptom of their course workload being too heavy and their schedule being too demanding. We should be making things easier for students and providing more support instead of adding more lights. Secondly, it is very important for students to feel safe on campus at night, but there are plenty of ways to illuminate walkways and buildings with controlled, downturned lighting that doesn't obscure the sky and contribute to light pollution.
Student
Class of 2028
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
I love to look at the stars in the sky during my nighttime walks. And, since taking Astronomy 205, I have become even more interested interstellar objects like constellations, planets, and comets. Telescopic observation is not only awe-inducing, it's necessary to advance mine and my classmate's astronomical studies.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Since taking Astronomy 205, I have spent many nights observing the sky. As a busy student, I choose to observe from the closest field to me, Poe field. But Poe Field never gets completely dark, in part due to the stadium lights. Often, the white light of the stadium obscures my view of Jupiter or constellations. The golf course is one of the last truly good places to observe from. But in recent years, even the view from the golf course has become obscured by light. Not to mention that we're technically not supposed to go on the golf course and it's on the far side of campus. Please help your astronomy students!
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes! Growing up, I almost never had a good view of the night sky. Being able to see the stars was one of the highlights of my freshman year when I moved to NJ. I always look up when I'm walking back to my dorm at night, and it's comforting. I often take night sky photos too. I'm strongly considering getting a stargazing app so that I can identify more constellations beyond Orion, Sirius, and occasionally the dippers and the Pleiades. I think having a starry sky is important for hobbyists, naturalists, and any students who appreciate astrology.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes, I feel like light pollution is a problem on campus. More than once, I've noticed a purple haze coming from the Princeton football stadium/arena area on nights when the lights are blazing or there's an event. The first few times, I thought it was a strange sky anomaly before I became accustomed to it. I know that light pollution, especially strong light pollution like at the arena, can become a problem for migrating birds and insects that get caught and confused by the artificial light. Many species navigate daily and migrate annually using the moon and stars as a compass. (Two really good studies about this are Minnaar et al 2015, Journal of Applied Ecology and Van Doren et al 2017 PNAS — there was a lot of publicity about the 9/11 light memorial in NYC.) I am also concerned about the large digital screens in front of (facing) Frist Campus Center on the north side. I am not sure why they were installed, but the lights are so bright that they light up the entire building facade at night and scream into the eyes of students exiting the building. So far, it seems like they only project advertisements, which doesn't seem essential. Possible proposed solutions for future campus developments might involve relying more heavily on automatic lights or changing brightness, wavelength, or intensity of existing light displays. (The Minnaar article suggests some solutions, if I recall correctly.)
Student
Class of 2025
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes. It is vital for Princeton’s astronomy research.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes. New York City is already so close by and only getting brighter.
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes! Being able to see stars connects us with the rest of the world and the history of our existence as a species. Stars have been a constant and important aspect of all cultures from ancient times to the modern era. Furthermore, taking a class on astronomy without even being able to see the stars on campus makes appreciating and engaging with what we are learning much more difficult.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Light pollution made it difficult to see the northern lights without using a camera filter, and I feel like I missed out on the fullness of such a unique experience because of light pollution.
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
I absolutely think it is vital for students to be able to see the starry night sky at princeton. As a rural student, I find comfort and solace in being able to steer the stars, and since I spend almost 24/7 here between classes, clubs, and dorms, it can feel pretty foreign when even the stars are different from home. Also, they are incredible ways for students to engage with the sciences and history without much experience or costly equipment. Our forebears studied the stars on academic sites, allowing then to give us some of the most valuable insights in human history about science and religion; its incongruous that we at Princeton are unable to do so in the modern day. Also, I plan to take AST205 in the future for the P&L certificate, so I would like to actually be able to take some cool sights away from the telescope nights.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Light pollution is ridiculous on campus! It makes it hard to sleep since I am used to very low-light settings (from the rural countryside in WV), and keeping the blind closed every night is depressing. Not being able to see the stars at nights is also depressing.
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
seeing the night sky is wonderous and relaxing. in such a stressful environment, i think it is imperative to protect that
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
yes. for example, the auroua borealis was visible for one night last semester and i was heartbroken to have not gotten a good glimpse. that was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and princeton was too polluted for me to partake
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Absolutely. The night sky can be gorgeous, and something my friends and I seek out on clearer evenings for star gazing. It would be so nice to be able to see it anywhere on campus, and not have to walk far away elsewhere at night.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
The amount of lights on campus definitely make it harder to see the stars.
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
The stars have inspired humanity for thousands of years and we deserve to see them. As someone from a rural area, it is saddening to not see the stars at night at Princeton.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
On many a late night, I have taken a step outside and been surprised at how bright the sky was, despite the fact it was the dead of night. There's enough light pollution for just a little bit of cloud cover to reflect a lot of light.
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes, I appreciate seeing the stars on my late night walks back to my dorm late at night.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
As part of a digital photography class on campus, I sought to capture astrophotography images. However, the light pollution around my dorm made it impossible to photograph the Milky Way. As a result, I had to transport a heavy tripod and camera to the towpath to find a more suitable location.
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
I see immense value in Princeton having a dark and starry night sky. Some of my best observing experiences have come from Princeton's sky. I often think back to last semester (Fall 2024). One night, during midterms week, I received a call from one of my friends. She was waiting outside for one of her exams when she noticed something. In an excited voice, she asked me "What is going on with the sky?" I quickly raced outside from the Forbes Library. When I looked up, I was amazed. It was the aurora borealis. I explained to her what was happening and then headed to the Forbes backyard. As I arrived, people from all over campus were gathering to enjoy the view. During the stress and chaos of midterms, Princetonians were seemingly given an impromptu stellar study break to ease our minds. Following the initial star gazing, there came an outpour of student social media posts about the unique state of our sky. Those northern lights brought together so many people from separate fields and different interests in order to share a special moment. What could be more valuable and representative of Princeton than that? This experience could have been enhanced and further reaching with an even darker sky. However, what I fear the most is that there will come a time when the sky is so bright we will not have experiences like this at all.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes, I experience light pollution on campus all the time. The severity of the issue varies from the stadium lights to left on classroom lights to massive construction projects to unnecessary exterior lights on residential colleges. However, the worst display of light pollution is undoubtably the construction of the new environmental studies building (kind of ironic). During the night, this project shoots massive amounts of light into the sky even though no construction is taking place. The pollution is so bad that, when looking that direction, I can see its effects from nearly all areas of campus (even Forbes)! There have been times when I am looking in the direction of Peyton Hall and assume that the sun must have just set only to turn around and realize it is actually pitch black. Yes, the pollution is that bad. This is a disturbance as it renders Poe field and many other locations virtually useless for properly observing the night sky. There have been times where even locating Jupiter can be challenging.
Alumni
Class of 2018
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes! Stargazing with my Astrophysics class was one of the highlights of my Princeton experience. I still tell stories about heading to the park late at night to look up at the stars and use a professional telescope. Not to mention, the starry sky adds to the Princeton campus' beauty. I loved walking through campus at night with the stars overhead. It was absolutely magical.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Unfortunately, yes. We couldn't really use the telescopes on campus because of the light pollution. We had to go to nearby parks, which prevented some students from attending what I found were precious stargazing experiences. And now I hear that the light pollution is even worse - to the point that students can no longer stargaze at all. Not only is that an aesthetic loss, but it takes away a poignant educational opportunity from students.
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes – spending nights stargazing on Plummer Field, searching for the occasional shooting star as it streaks across the vast expanse of the night sky.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes - light pollution on campus makes it difficult for students on the day-to-day to connect with nature, leaving us disconnected from wonder. It reminds me of how much we miss out on the simple yet profound elements of nature.
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
I came up to Princeton hoping it being away from a big city I would be able to see the night sky. I was thoroughly disappointed when it was no better than the city I used to live in.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
I think there are so many times I will just see so much light being wasted and shining in the sky, up into my windows from down below. I truly don't see any point in this, especially when I want to go out and see the stars.
Alumni
Class of 2019
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes, not just for the sake of the educational benefit it provides for courses like AST 205 but for the romance of campus walks late at night with your future spouse.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
I graduated in 2019.
Student
Class of 2025
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
One of my simple pleasures is observing the night sky, which I often do using the help of apps like Stellarium. These technologies help me map out the various constellations (whether back home or on campus), and having a starry sky on campus allows me to make the most of this experience by seeing the patterns on the screen reflected in real life. I am also aware that various student organizations hold regular telescope nights and believe that taking steps towards reducing light pollution as well as any potential astronomical research being led by Princeton.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
The blackout shades in my room have prevented significant disturbances from light pollution in terms of my personal sleep, but light pollution has harmful effects on /creates disturbances for local wildlife.
Alumni
Class of 2019
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes definitely! I took AST205 when I was a freshman and it is still one of my favorite classes, despite it having nothing to do with my major or certificates. Some of my best memories were the star parties we had, including waking up at 4 am and running to Peyton Hall to see Jupiter, or doing astrophotography with my group on the Forbes golf course. Even after I was no longer a student of the class I remember going back to join star parties, as it was so fun to see the stars and learn about the constellations.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
There was definitely a bright light outside of my room in Brown Hall that would wake me up in the mornings my Junior Year
Alumni
Class of 2020
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
During my astronomy class, we often ran into trouble seeing the stars since the lights over the sports fields were so bright. There were a few times we had to give up entirely since the lights made the telescopes useless.
Alumni
Class of 2020
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Incredibly valuable. It romanticizes campus and inspired my studies. It helped with my mental health as I spent a lot of the night awake. Instead of a light gray sky, you could see stars! Star parties and observing on the golf course are some of my favorite memories at Princeton.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Enormously. Too many bugs, mostly dead, around excessive lights. The energy waste feels enormous. It hindered my astronomy observations. I was saddened that I could not look at the stars on beautiful clear nights anymore.
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
The Princeton night sky is extremely valuable because of the memories I have shared with my friends and roommates out on the fields at night stargazing and creating memories by not only learning about astronomy, but sharing time together doing something that interests us and learning from one another. This remains a possibility if better light fixtures are installed on campus that still light the sidewalks but do not reflect and emit light to the skies.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes, the large lights coming from flood lights from fields or other large areas emit to the sky when the fields are not being used. This creates a light polluted sky and disrupts any activity of stargazing or possible enjoyment of the natural night sky.
Alumni
Class of 1972
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
I've audited a couple of astrophysics courses with Prof. Bakos in recent years and have acquired a real appreciation for beauty and mystery of the heavens above. If I didn't want to see any stars at night, I could live in NYC. (In fact, I have lived in NYC and always found the lack of stars when I managed to lift my gaze from the dirty sidewalks incredibly depressing.)
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
I am on the campus often, attending classes, lectures, concerts, or simply taking a walk. Without meaning to sound like such an old fogy, I have to say that all the lights everywhere make the campus so much less inviting and romantic than it used to be. (The girl who became my wife and I met on a nice, dark evening on Prospect Ave some 55 years ago. We are still together. Today, with all the bright lights, she would have taken one good look at me and decided to walk the other way. Please, dim the lights. )
Alumni
Class of 2020
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes, I took AST205, and it was one of my most memorable classes because we regularly experienced the night sky in Princeton hands-on. Getting to use a professional telescope and make direct connections between the textbook and the world outside was absolutely the best learning experience of that class. My group regularly met at Poe Field for observations. Also, even if you don't care that there are students who will benefit from having the night sky available for observation, light pollution seriously affects local wildlife, making it more difficult for species to stay within their typical circadian rhythms.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
As someone with a disability, if my group in astronomy class had not been able to meet and observe at Poe Field, which was right behind my dorm, it would have been almost impossible for me to be active with my astronomy group. The fact that now, the only available campus space that does not experience light pollution is the golf course is honestly wild because that trek would not be possible for me.
Alumni
Class of 2021
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes! We may take it for granted, but it is so valuable that Princetonians can see the beauty of the stars, shining bright on clear nights, right from campus. As a student, looking up at the stars always brought me moments of peace and comfort; it reminded me of being home in my small town. In my sophomore year, I took AST205 seeking a science credit, but found also a number of good friends, a great professor, and exposure to a field of study that was novel to me. Observing the stars and planets--firsthand, right from campus--was my favorite thing about the course, and I likely would not have enrolled in the course if this wasn't part of the curriculum. This course and our star parties gave me an appreciation for the astrophysical sciences, as well as a hands-on introduction to some of the questions and methods used by researchers in this field. As a Politics concentrator, this was a unique and deeply valuable opportunity to broaden my horizons. None of it would have been possible without the ability to observe the stars and planets from campus!
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
n/a
Alumni
Class of 2022
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes! Some of my favorite Princeton memories are when I would go stargazing on Poe field with my friends. I loved walking on the Tow Path and seeing the sky there, too. (And of course, one of my favorite and most interesting courses I took was AST205- it was such a unique and hands-on class, and I have only the best things to say.) I grew up in and now live in a city, and it’s very clear to me that the night sky is such a privilege that many of us take for granted. There is so much to learn from the stars!
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
I had a dorm room on the ground floor for most of my time at Princeton- and no matter what, there was a constant streetlight on coming through my windows. It was a total disturbance to my sleep even with curtains. Not to mention I wasn’t far from the tennis courts- they had the brightest and most headache inducing lights on that never seemed to go off.
Alumni
Class of 2016
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes. I believe we lose something extremely valuable and even necessary when we strip away the possibility of having close experiences with nature and its beauty, in which night skies play a significant part. Being able to have a place on campus where students can have meaningful encounters with nature, like seeing the stars, is special and something that I feel strongly should be protected, especially as it becomes harder and harder to have such moments. I'm thankful that I could get opportunities like that through Professor Bakos's AST205 class when I was a freshman at Princeton. I grew up with almost an obsession to see a night full of stars that has continued to this day, but even though I lived in a suburb, not a city, it was almost impossible to see more than a few stars at a time. Taking AST205 and attending Professor Bakos's stargazing parties was therefore particularly meaningful for me because I had the chance not only to see many stars at once but to assign names to them and understand them a little more, like many people used to. I like to think that Princeton is a university that recognizes and preserves the best parts of mankind's traditions in its students' education while spearheading the developments of our future so that we are truly and fully equipped to be responsible leaders in society; and I truly believe that things like protecting students' ability to connect with nature on campus, which includes maintaining skies with minimal light pollution, is an important aspect of this venture that should not be overlooked.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Not in any serious way, but there were a couple of times that I wanted to try to see the stars and because there is a lot of light near campus, I had to go some ways off campus to find a location without any light.
Alumni
Class of 2023
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Absolutely. Stargazing on Poe Field, the towpath, and the golf course was an activity I would frequent through my undergraduate as I always found it calming and therapeutic. I served as an observing assistant for the Astro department and many of the students were vocal about how much they appreciated the class stargazing sessions and department watch parties. Salvaging what little darkness we have should be considered a priority of preservation. It comes hand in hand with the general preservation of Princeton's nearby natural locations, such as the aforementioned towpath and golf course, but also the Institute woods. Access to these kinds of places played a big part in my own decision to choose Princeton over other top schools.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
As I mentioned in my previous response, I would go stargazing on Poe Field often as a means of self-care. I lived in Bloomberg for most of my undergraduate so it was the perfect arrangement. I was saddened when I saw Yeh college for the first time as it stripped Poe Field of its accessibility to the night sky. I hope moving forward that considerations of this kind will be taken into account as Princeton expands its infrastructure. I hope to see Princeton lead by example when it comes to the question of preservation.
Alumni
Class of 2020
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes! Participating in star parties and observations while on campus was a formative part of my experience. I think it would be real shame of Princeton allowed light pollution to ruin this for future generations of students :( I also think Princeton benefits from its quieter, suburban vibe, and I think it would generally erode much of the school's beauty to have an influx of light pollution on campus.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
During my time on campus, I felt Princeton had a quiet, gentle vibe, and we did not have enough light pollution to make star parties and nighttime astrological observations an issue — I am very saddened and disturbed to hear this has changed for the current generation of students.
Student
Class of 2025
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
To me, there's an inherent value in having a starry sky on campus in that it connects us with one of the most beautiful natural wonders that we can all bear witness to almost any night. However, especially with Peyton Hall's observatory, the courses dependent on observing components, and the strong commitment to the sciences and sustainability that Princeton has, it seems like the University ought to take a strong interest in preserving the night sky's visibility. There are many animals and insects that depend on darkness to thrive, and many that use the stars as a way to navigate themselves, so sustainability taking into account then natural ecosystem must include a conscientiousness of light pollution.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
I lived in NCW for two years, and the light from the stadium that was often on during the night time was literally as bright as day. It made it almost impossible to keep shades even slightly open at night. The light was really disruptive to me personally, but I am sure they had a major effect on the local ecosystem as well. I took AST205 a few years ago and would observe with the class on Forbes' golf course, but in the past few years, the light from NCW has significantly lightened the sky in Forbes' golf course and it is a much weaker observing place now. Obviously it is sad to not see as many stars, but it is also a loss to Princeton students in astronomy courses, especially ones like AST205 that revolve around (much-needed!) observing components.
Alumni
Class of 2019
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes! 1. It's a very memorable component of educational astro courses--students might not remember how to calculate gravitational pulls but everyone remembers what they learned at star parties 2. It's an artistic outlet for photography-inclined students and Princeton values the arts (in a great interdisciplinary way) 3. Star parties were a great way to meet classmates--I made some of my best friends from Princeton at star parties. 4. Alumni come back and want to attend star parties at reunions--it's a big draw 5. It motivates students to appreciate nature and serve humanity by advocating for environmentally friendly policies. 6. Access to the sky is important for research purposes for grad students and faculty alike 7. It attracts undergraduates to pursue graduate education 8. Star parties are a great way for students to connect with faculty and wider Princeton area community members 9. Star parties can serve as an alcohol-free evening activity for students looking for those kinds of activities 10. Students can connect from across different affiliations (res college, eating club, greek life agnostic) on a campus that can be pretty sectioned off
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
1. The horizontal flood lights (specifically by the eating clubs) made it hard for me to see when walking around at night 2. Light coming in my window at night disturbed my sleep I had to use an eye mask 3. I had to walk far distances away from campus in order to view the night sky for astro class and for recreational purposes, which can be a safety concern
Alumni
Class of 2020
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Princeton’s campus is renowned for its pristine beauty, from the Collegiate Gothic architecture to the peaceful natural landscapes. A critical, yet often overlooked, part of that beauty is the night sky. A truly dark sky connects us to nature, inspires curiosity, and serves as a gateway to scientific discovery. As an astrophysics major at Princeton and now a PhD candidate, I have spent years studying the cosmos, and I know firsthand how rare and valuable a naturally dark sky is. Light pollution has increasingly erased the stars from urban and suburban areas, making places like Princeton—where the Milky Way can still be seen on a clear night—exceptionally precious. Dark skies are not just an aesthetic feature; they support research, education, and sustainability. Princeton’s dedication to intellectual pursuit should extend to preserving its night sky, allowing students, researchers, and the community to continue exploring the universe without unnecessary artificial light drowning out the stars. Thoughtful lighting policies can enhance safety while reducing skyglow, keeping Princeton’s campus a beacon of both knowledge and natural beauty. On a personal note, some of my favorite moments at Princeton were the quiet walks home from the library after long nights of studying. Looking up at the stars was a way to reset, to remind myself of the vastness of the universe beyond my problem sets and exams. That simple, yet profound, connection to the cosmos is something every Princeton student should have the chance to experience.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Light pollution was an issue I noticed throughout my time at Princeton, both as a student and as an astronomer. Even five years ago, the brightness of artificial lights on campus affected telescope nights and observations for class. When we set up telescopes for labs or student observing nights, we often struggled to see faint celestial objects because of the overwhelming glow from campus lighting. Instead of a pristine night sky, the background was often washed out, making it harder to appreciate the stars and planets we were trying to study. Beyond astronomy, light pollution had a more personal impact on my daily life. There were nights when I couldn’t sleep because the lights outside my window were too bright, disrupting my rest. The constant artificial glow made it difficult to fully experience the natural transition from day to night, which is so important for maintaining a healthy sleep cycle. Princeton has a unique opportunity to preserve its dark skies by implementing thoughtful lighting policies. Reducing unnecessary brightness, using shielded lights, and adopting warmer, lower-intensity bulbs would make a meaningful difference—not just for astronomers, but for all students who seek a balance between academic rigor and well-being.
Alumni
Class of 2020
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
As an undergrad at Princeton, I loved walking down to Poe Field to look at the stars, moon or planets. I would rope other members of the track team into standing out with me on cold January nights to watch the ISS fly overhead. My partner (who I met at Princeton) and I bonded over the romance of the night sky. I chose to go to Princeton because it wasn't in a city. It still had a small town feel that was comfortable for me coming from rural Wisconsin. Part of its charm is the ability to quickly get out of the classroom and physically into the subject matter. Aquatic ecology on Lake Carnegie, forest conservation in the Witherspoon Woods and astronomy on the roof of Peyton Hall. Sadly, most parts of campus are already too light polluted to see the sky well. This is a loss to all current and future students, and it would be a tragedy to lose the golf course, last remaining patch of dark sky.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
The faintest celestial events were only visible biking out east of campus. And even then, some weren't visible over the omnipresent glow from Princeton's lights. It's odd to me that Princeton spends so much time preserving its history and legacy, carefully washing and restoring the brown sandstone that covers Nassau Hall, while blinding us to the sky it stands under.
Alumni
Class of 2018
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes. I struggled with severe depression to the point of being hospitalized after a suicide attempt my sophomore year. One of the things that kept me sane would be taking walks when I had 3am insomnia to look up at the stars and remind myself that we're all made of old star particles etc etc. Cliched but it did work for me
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes. Sometimes it was annoying just trying to go to sleep when I lived on the wrong side of a dorm building (eg bedroom windows pointed towards dining halls, which always had the lights outside on). It was also very difficult to find places to watch meteor showers--usually I went to the middle of Poe field but that was still a bit too bright. It'd be nice if the lights were dimmer but had motion sensors to become brighter when people were actually walking by and needed them.
Alumni
Class of 2015
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Absolutely! The night sky at Princeton was an incredibly valuable part of my experience there, from when I visited as a pre-frosh and experienced the magical beauty of the campus for the first time, to when I walked or biked home late at night and enjoyed the stars above me guiding me back to Forbes. Coming back from trips to NYC, I always felt like the quiet, peacefulness of a dark and starry night at Princeton made the Orange Bubble feel safe and special, a respite from the busy lights and noises of the city. I often star-gazed with friends out on the Forbes lawn, Whitman lawn, and sometimes even one of the quads in Wilson (though the view wasn't as great there). This was crucial to our building deep friendships and meaningful memories. AST205 was also a pivotal course for me during my sophomore spring, when the pressures of academics at Princeton were starting to wear me down. Not only did I learn a lot from Professor Bakos, but our star-gazing parties and observation assignments truly reconnected me with God and the universe in ways that reinvigorated my hope in the future and in my purpose at Princeton. I can honestly say that Princeton's starry sky was essential to my experience and I am deeply disturbed to hear that increasing light pollution may be stripping future students of that wonderful aspect of the university's natural blessings.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Even in 2012, light pollution made it difficult to fully enjoy a view of the sky from anywhere other than Forbes. Having so many lights on all the time also diminishes students' sleep quality. I was luck to live farther away from the rest of campus and not have it affect me at the time.
Student
Class of 2028
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Part of the magic of attending and spending time at a historic university such as Princeton is the campus and the views and scenes you get to experience through your every day life. At night, the campus is characterized by low, glowing lights, that illuminate the campus just enough so that you can still see your environment and the surroundings, while also allowing you to look up and into the vast expanse of stars, creating the magic that is Princeton's campus. If this is replaced by overly bright lights, we would be losing a key part of what makes Princeton, Princeton.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Already, a lot of the construction on campus adds a lot of light pollution that makes it difficult to see the night sky. It created difficulties when trying to complete observation exercises for AST 205 and at significant events in the sky, such as the aurora borealis a few months ago, it made it difficult to truly enjoy them. Once again, adding to this light pollution only further takes away from the ambiance and magic that is Princeton's campus, ruining it for generations to come.
Alumni
Class of 2023
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Starry Princeton nights have been a highlight of my time on campus, offering a peaceful break from academics. Walking back from the library or chatting with friends under the stars made campus feel even more special. Those moments provided a chance to reflect and appreciate Princeton beyond the classroom.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
The light pollution on campus has been annoying at times, especially when it made it harder to see the stars. Some areas, like Nassau Street and brightly lit walkways, often felt a bit too much, taking away from the night sky’s peace and beauty
Alumni
Class of 2020
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes!! I took AST205 as part of my first semester at Princeton back in 2016, and it was a joy and a delight to attend 'star parties' with Prof. Bakos. I'd always had an interest in astronomy, but it was a special treat to have Prof. Bakos point out specific phenomena in the night sky, and to get to ask questions and make my own observations.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
I don't recall having a problem with light pollution during my studies, but now that I work part-time on campus, I have noticed that the new constructions have significantly increased the light pollution around Peyton Hall and across campus more broadly. I hope there are measures that can be taken to mitigate some of this pollution.
Alumni
Class of 1974
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
As a retired executive with a long-standing love of cosmology, and a passion for lifetime learning, I have audited several classes on astrophysics at Princeton. One of the great appeals of those classes was the opportunity to view the night sky--both with the naked eye and with campus telescopes. Beyond the pure educational benefits, those opportunities to experience firsthand our place in the universe, and to be filled with awe at my jaded old age, were priceless. Seeing those opportunities erode due to light pollution--when simple, no-risk, very low-cost solutions are readily available--is a tragedy, particularly when it is occurring at one of the premier learning institutions in the world.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
In addition to the obvious adverse impact on night sky exploration, there are more subtle impacts that sadden me. For my wife's 72nd birthday last fall, we traveled to Princeton to enjoy a romantic weekend. Our itinerary included after-dark strolls through the town's historic venues. I was dismayed at how the ambience, which I remembered quite differently, was impaired by the jarring effect of lights that were far brighter and more prevalent than necessary. Princeton is an enchanting place filled with storied history. It deserves an "enlightened" approach to illumination that is in keeping with its charm--and its reputation for advanced thinking.
Alumni
Class of 2020
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes, it was so cool to study straight from the roof of our AST building, and it was one of my fondest classroom memories.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes, especially when I slept at night, bright street lamps would shine through my window.
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
I see a lot of value in allowing students the opportunity to observe the stars. AST 205 was one of my favorite classes at Princeton and looking at the night sky through telescopes was a very unique experience that would be even better if light pollution were limited. Princeton can also be very stressful at times and I found looking at the stars to be a great way to escape and relax.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Upward facing lights have been pointing into my window at night making it more difficult to fall asleep.
Alumni
Class of 2022
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
As a student of Sanskrit, I spend countless hours reading ancient literature. Stories of seven sages (six of whom ousted their wives), stories of Rama hunting the deer, stories of Dhruva, who could not be moved, and much more. It was not until Professor Bakos showed me the night sky that these became more than stories. The seven sages is the Big Dipper, where one star is a visible binary system. Hence, six sages ousted their wives, the Pleiades (six sisters in Indian astronomy), and one sage kept his wife close to his heart. Rama hunting the deer is the constellation Orion, whose bow points towards Mrgashirsha, the Indian “deer-head” constellation; and Dhruva is the pole-star, ever-firm. These stories were the ways in which the ancient Indian world interpreted the stars, and it is the only way in which we can interact with their world. A visible starry sky at Princeton is valuable to more than just the astronomers. It is important to all those who see it as a part of our heritage, as something that gave our ancestors hope through their dark nights, and as something that continues to inspire us today. At Princeton, this beauty should be protected just like we protect any other educational resource, lest we plunge ourselves into a starless darkness.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
I remember not being able to sleep some nights because the stadium lights would shine right into my room, piercing through the blinds. This would affect my academic performance the next day as well as my physical health.
Alumni
Class of 2023
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
I was a dancer on campus and often times it was at night when we had dance practice. My most vivid memories of walking around campus are at night, with sky filled with stars. Looking up at the starry skies, I found grace, I found beauty, and I found thankfulness that I was walking on this campus. Walking as a African American and Haitian American student, my faith and confidence in myself multiplied after taking AST205 and forming a new relationship with the stars. I’m thankful for my experience in AST205 and nightly walks on campus looking at starry skies.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
The lamps were the only issue with being able to see the stars. They would often blind me when I tried to look up. I believe better lamps around campus will significantly reduce light pollution while allowing students better view of the starry sky.
Student
Class of 2025
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Oh my gosh YES! So, my freshman year I took this course and attended multiple nighttime viewings, as well as doing my project on the golf course by Forbes. I absolutely loved my experience and really think it helped me integrate into Princeton, reminding me that I belong here just like any where else in the world. Professor Bakos is an amazing person whos incredible passionate about his work and it shows through the course. KEEP PRINCETON CLEAR!
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes, I experienced light pollution during one of the star viewings, where the light from the new buildings near the stadium that are being built. SUCKS
Student
Class of 2025
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
In sophomore fall, I was walking back to Forbes with my friends on a clear night. Since this was still during COVID restrictions, there was less activity and light pollution. I looked at the sky and recognized the Pleiades, which I pointed out to my friends. We spent the next twenty minutes stargazing, trying to identify Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn. Even now, I often find myself looking up at the night sky as I walk back to my room, but the construction floodlights and stadium lighting make it increasingly difficult to make out dimmer features. I believe that every student should have the opportunity to look upon a clear sky every night to experience the sense of wonder that space instills.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Last October, I went outside after hearing that the Northern Lights were visible on campus. However, the lights from the stadium and Hobson construction site polluted the sky to the point where they were barely visible from my dorm building, so I walked all the way to Broadmead to get a better view. Even then, I could still see the glow from the stadium lights and construction.
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
I think it is extremely valuable to be able to see a starry night sky at Princeton. For students who want to study astrophysics, regardless of level, being able to observe the night sky is super important. I cannot overstate how special it was to be able to do observations with a telescope or camera. I cannot imagine how much better those observations would be if the light pollution didn't get in the way. Given that our campus isn't situated in a big city like NYC or Boston, I see no reason why we should be able to see so much more of the night sky, like the Milky Way.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
I find that the lampposts around campus don't do the best job of illuminating their surroundings. Instead, during my first year, I would often get light directly into my room which was on the second floor. Additionally, the stadium lights ruined most of our attempted night sky observations. Observing around Peyton Hall was already not an option. But the stadium lights bothered us on Poe Field and even on the golf course. The lighting around construction sites aren't positioned properly and just point straight forward in some places. Not only does it not light the area properly but it is also distraction for cycling or rooms surrounding it.
Student
Class of 2025
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
YES!!
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Its too bright...
Alumni
Class of 2018
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Princeton’s starry sky was one of my favorite parts of the campus experience. I frequently walked around campus long after the sun had gone down and the calming atmosphere created by the night sky helped me reduce my stress levels and relax before bed.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
The amount of light on campus at night made it difficult to keep my eyes adjusted to darkness, which is a requirement for stargazing. For one of the AST205 assignments, we had to walk far away from the main campus to find a dark enough clearing. We were then interrupted by Public Safety because someone had called about people gathering in the dark. If there was less light pollution on campus, situations like this would happen less.
Alumni
Class of 2020
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
I see great value in Princeton having a starry sky. I took AST205, which allowed me to engage with star gazing and star photography for the first time. At a time in which I felt quite stressed about being at Princeton and all it demanded, looking at the sky and being reminded of how small I was in comparison felt quite healing. I don't remember why, but years later, I talked about this class and our star photography project on a first date. It turned out that my date was equally interested in space, and, now that we're married, we frequently visit exhibitions and talks on all matters space. Recently, we went to the London Planetarium for a show on the night sky. The presenter asked the audience for names of different constellations, and I was the only one who could identify the Pleiades - a constellation I had photographed as part of a homework assignment. I have not yet stopped bragging about my immense space knowledge to my friends. I was not an astronomy or science major at Princeton, but even now, over 5 years later, this astronomy class was one of my favourite, most impactful classes I took during my studies. And the Princeton night sky was integral to this experience.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
No
Student
Class of 2025
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
I do see a value in Princeton having a starry sky. During stressful times like the night before an exam or staying late working on a problem set, the stars in the Princeton sky would offer comfort. I’d walk back to my dorm late at night (anywhere between 12 - 2 am) and the skies helped soothe my anxiousness. I’ve never experienced skies as starry as Princetons and there’s been several times where I felt it made my experience at Princeton extremely special.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
The bright floodlights from the stadiums often ruined my viewing experience of the sky, and if continued light pollution disrupts the starriness of the sky my experiences will only get worse
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Absolutely! I came to Princeton from a big city, and even the slight improvement in the night sky visibility was very impressive to me. The stars visible at night add a lot to the natural beauty of Princeton’s campus, something which is sorely needed with all the construction that’s going on! Part of Princeton’s appeal is how it is a quaint, quiet community away from the noisy hustle and bustle of the rest of the world, and being able to look up at the stars each night is a big factor in that.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
My current dorm looks out at in intersection from above, and unfortunately I’ve noticed that a few of the lights outside cast a lot of light up into my room at night. It makes it somewhat challenging to sleep without completely blocking out all light using curtains, which then of course decreases sleep quality and makes it more challenging to wake up in the morning.
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
I definitely see value in Princeton having a starry sky. Sitting outside the golf course at night looking at the stars is one of the best things you can do to relax through the stresses of Princeton.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
From my understanding the Astronomy building is being hampered by things such as the new engineering and the light pollution in surrounding areas. If Princeton truly cares about academic curiosity and study they should rectify these problems.
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes. Taking AST 205, I got the opportunity to look at stars and planets through various telescopes. My favourite place to look at stars was the golf course behind Forbes. The starry night sky has been a quintessential part of all cultures since the first humans evolved in Africa. It is a shame that we in the modern world seems to neglect this. On a night sky not affected by light pollution it is possible to observe the milky way with the naked eye. I want to be able to do this, I want my future kids to be able to look at a starry night sky and its constellations, and I believe it is up to leading institutions like Princeton to take charge and mitigate light pollution.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes every single time at night on campus I am disturbed by light pollution. It impairs my sleep. Firstly, because many places, for instance in Rocky where I lived freshman and sophomore year, lights from buildings and lamp posts shone through my windows, lighting up the room. Secondly, when walking around on campus at night, it is so bright that the brain doesn't think it is time to go to sleep. Especially white lights keeps people awake. A better solution, although far from perfect, would be to switch all white lights out with orange/yellow lights. Moreover, when looking for stars in my AST 205 class, most of them are not visible. I urge anyone to download the "Night Sky" app on their phone. Then one will understand how many stars would actually be visible if there was little to no light pollution.
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
I see a profound value in preserving our starry sky here in Princeton. Beyond learning how to observe the sky through Professor Bakos' class, I share the belief that the sky is a part of Nature. I may offer the perspective of one who will not be gathering data from the sky, but who depends, still, on its preservation. The sky is a gift to my life--it speaks, if I may use this metaphor at the risk of mystification--to the consciousness in ways that are vital to our relationship with one another and to human knowledge. To turn one's gaze upward into one of the few darknesses that shares no other benevolence on Earth gives one a perspective to an education which does not, on its own accord, offer you this broadness within the heart. One is pulled from the tunnel vision that occurs in the privacy of learning--and it is only this pull which allows for a real negotiation between a curiosity for the world, its pasts and futures, and finding the words for one's way. I look for Mars wherever I am, I try to remember where the Moon is with respect to the Earth based upon its phase and position in the sky...It was a true blessing, for one who has always admired the work of astronomers from Ptolemy's Almagest to the present day, to see a glimpse of their work, and I hope observing the sky here will never be extinct.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
On many occasions light pollution decided for us the shape of an evening. On the night that the Northern Lights were visible from campus I was one of many who failed to see them with my naked eyes because I could not find a place without light pollution in time. Before, to make it very clear-- if I needed light to work--to burn the midnight oil-- I simply kept my blinds up that the light pollution alone sufficed for me, and turned my reading lamp into a luxury.
Student
Class of 2026
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Yes! This is basically my only connection to home (Big Sky Montana). I feel like without being able to see the stars, the aesthic value of living in Princeton is signifigantly diminished.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
While taking an astronomy class, it made it significantly more difficult to observe and photograph the stars and planets.
Alumni
Class of 2021
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Not only are starry skies generally lovely, but my many nights of stargazing with the astro department and with friends were some of my favorite on-campus activities. Being able to see starry skies was so beneficial to understanding and enjoying the astro course materials, and is a big advantage Princeton has over other schools located in cities.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
As Princeton grows and parts of campus continue to get reimagined, light pollution seems to be increasing, getting in the way of seeing the sky from many different vantage points (especially from the ground). It would be really disappointing to lose view of the skies from campus.
Student
Class of 2025
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
One incredible value associated with the ability to see the stars, is the ability to take AST205. This course was incredible and Professor Bakos' passion for the sky and showing his students the stars, constellations, and planets was a highlight of my Princeton Journey. If we are too shallow to not appreciate the value of simply being able to look up and see the stars, something I never had the privilege to do growing up in NYC, than we should at least respect Professor Bakos' dedication to empowering students and giving other students like me something to remember about their Princeton career.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
In my four years here the light pollution has gotten progressively worse and I have noticed less clarity as I look up towards the stars, particularly with all the new buildings and construction.
Class of auditor
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
yes
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
yes----virtually impossible to see night sky. extremely frustrating
Student
Class of 2025
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
YES! Not only is it beautiful (and part of our environmental heritage that should be protected), it also allows for so many learning opportunities and the wonder that comes with understanding the stars.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Many lamps around campus give off a lot of glare, which bother me as I walk, particularly at night. Sometimes I can even see them from my room :( I also work at the Princeton climbing wall, which is located in the stadium, and those lights are extremely bright and harsh - unreasonably so (I think).
Alumni
Class of 2021
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
Absolutely. Taking astrophysics classes at Princeton to this day is a hi-light of the classes I took. Although originally taking them to fulfill my general requirements I fell in love with looking at the sky and even considered minoring in AST. I still have the photos I took from that class to this day!
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes there were some nights when we went to do the labs and the photos I got or the images we could see were amazing. However, I remember several nights when we went out and the football stadium lights were on when they weren’t supposed to be, or many other light pollution sources made it difficult to do my photography. It was very frustrating to work around. Not to mention as someone who is a chronic light sleeper I was always thankful to live out at Forbes away from much of the night light pollution.
Alumni
Class of 2020
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
I highly value it. Being able to view the sky is such a privilege once you move to a big city (I’m now in nyc), and I think Princeton should protect it both to be able to study astronomy and for people just to be able to enjoy the stars.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
It’s been a while so I can’t totally remember, but there certainly are a lot of bright white lights that could be dimmer/ more yellow.
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
I absolutely see a value in Princeton having a starry sky. After taking AST205, I gained a new appreciation for the sky. Being able to view and experience the masterpiece above enhanced my curiosity and made me ponder greater questions that connected many different academic and personal concentrations.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
I have experienced light pollution in many forms on campus. Whether it be the football stadium, building lights, street lamps, or some other form of light pollution, my view of the night sky has been hindered very many times. This made observing difficult or less effective a few times last semester. Without full access to the sky, my learning and observations were obstructed. I hope for a solution to be found going forward so that this conflict between light and learning can be reconciled.
Student
Class of 2027
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
I think that Princeton having a starry sky is part of what makes the campus feel beautiful and like home. Other urban campuses don't have the ability to connect so deeply with the outdoors which gives Princeton a unique edge. AT205 really helped me open my eyes and appreciate the dark sky more than ever before.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
Yes, the stadium being lit, and even lighting from the construction sights around campus make it incredibly for your eyes to adjust so you can see the entirety of the night sky. It would be a shame to lose such a becutiful piece of what makes princeton a great campus
Student
Class of 2025
Do you see a value in Princeton having a starry sky? Describe your relevant experience.
As an astrophysics major, looking up at the night sky was one of the first things that got me interested in studying it and remains one of the simple pleasures in my life. As a university dedicated to research and outreach, Princeton has a vested interest in getting the community excited about astronomy as it does with any discipline it seeks to spread, advance, or preserve. Community and departmental observing nights are threatened immensely by the unshielded lighting that drowns out the sky.
Did you experience light pollution on campus, and how did it disturb you?
When doing assignments for AST205 or observations with the astronomy club, I would have to go off campus just to get to an area with a tiny bit less light pollution. We currently risk losing these last few spaces in and around Princeton that have not been completely polluted.