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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Greenies Dim Bright Lights in Big City

Big city's bright lights must dim, many say

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(Newser) – A dimmer switch looms over Manhattan's bright nighttime skyline, as concerns over conservation and energy costs have prompted skyscraper owners to abandon the practice of blazing all lights at all hours. New York scores a 9 out of 9 on a light pollution scale, and legislators are considering official incentives to install motion detectors and efficient bulbs, the Times reports.

“The tall tower with the illuminated floors on all night long is probably a thing of the past,” said one lighting expert. “You’re not relying on the glowing floors to have the building presence. It is relying on the crown of light.”

In the 1950s, lights didn't dim, and illuminating empty floors at night was a way for builders to show off their creations. Half a century later, the focus is shifting to conservation.
In the 1950s, lights didn't dim, and illuminating empty floors at night was a way for builders to show off their creations. Half a century later, the focus is shifting to conservation.   (Getty Images)
The famous Manhattan skyline changed drastically with the loss of the World Trade Center towers. New changes would be more subtle: dimming or turning off office lights at night.
The famous Manhattan skyline changed drastically with the loss of the World Trade Center towers. New changes would be more subtle: dimming or turning off office lights at night.   (Getty Images)
From bridges to skyscrapers to streetlights, Manhattan is illuminated at night. New York scores a 9 out of 9 on the Bortle Dark-Sky Scale, meaning it produces maximum light pollution.
From bridges to skyscrapers to streetlights, Manhattan is illuminated at night. New York scores a 9 out of 9 on the Bortle Dark-Sky Scale, meaning it produces maximum light pollution.   (©joebrent)
A view of the Midtown New York City skyline and the Empire State Building at night. It may soon be somewhat less bright.
A view of the Midtown New York City skyline and the Empire State Building at night. It may soon be somewhat less bright.   (Getty Images)
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The light bulb has not really gone on in their head yet. We’ll always have an iconic skyline, but we don’t need this big glow over the city. - Susan Harder of International Dark-Sky Association's New York section, on city officials.

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