re: New York Times Op-Ed on Light Pollution
It is a shame, given how expensive energy is, how profligate we are in casting light out into space where it does no good here on Earth. Think how much cheaper electricity would be if there wasn't demand for it from all the light we shine spaceward.
The International Dark-Sky Association (http://www.darksky.org/mc/page.do) has long been working towards a more efficient use of lighting that allows people to enjoy more of the beauty of the heavens above.