What if you could make a direct impact on dark sky research right here in Wisconsin?
The Kickapoo Valley Dark Sky Initiative (KVDSI) is recruiting approximately 100 licensed drivers to participate in a research study in La Farge, Wisconsin, examining how different streetlight color temperatures affect driver visibility and the ability to see pedestrians at night.
The goal is simple: better understand how modern streetlighting performs in real-world Wisconsin communities and use that knowledge to help minimize light pollution while maintaining safe, effective lighting.
Why This Research Matters
Responsible outdoor lighting means providing light where it is needed, when it is needed, and at the intensity needed to serve a useful purpose. But there is still a need for more research on how newer streetlight technologies perform, particularly in rural communities.
KVDSI has developed a study that allows researchers to make side-by-side comparisons of different lighting installations. The results could help communities make more informed decisions about streetlighting while balancing visibility and safety with the protection of Wisconsin’s night skies.
Participate in the Study
Participants will drive a roughly quarter-mile section of closed public roadway in La Farge as part of a simple nighttime visibility test. The study is looking for participants who:
- Are 18–75 years old
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Have approximately 20/40 vision or better, or vision corrected to 20/40
- Do not have color blindness or other vision impairments that would affect the study
- Do not have restrictions on their driver’s license
Participants should plan for up to 90 minutes at the study site, including check-in, screening, a short video, and the driving portion of the study. The actual driving experiment is expected to take about 15 minutes.
Participants will receive a $30 prepaid Visa gift card for completing the study.
Testing will take place in La Farge, with check-in at the Prairie Springs 2 building near the Kickapoo Valley Reserve visitor center. The driving portion will take place on One Organic Way in the Village of La Farge.
Make an Impact on Wisconsin’s Night Skies
This is more than an opportunity to participate in a research study. It’s a chance for Wisconsin residents to directly contribute to research that could help communities make better decisions about street lighting and protect our dark skies for years to come.
If you are eligible to participate or know someone who may be, please consider signing up and sharing this opportunity with others.
Sign up for the study: Google Form
The study will take place nightly from October 11 through October 30.
