Saturday, August 23, 2025

Tennis Stars Illuminate the US Open Amidst a Cloudy Sky

Posted in
on
At the U.S. Open, tennis players are illuminated by innovative lighting designed to minimize light pollution, making the USTA Billie Jean King National tennis Center the only professional sports venue certified by an organization dedicated to preserving the night sky. The complex has transitioned to shielded LED lights that direct brightness onto the courts while reducing spillover into the environment, supporting local wildlife and allowing for clearer views of the stars. This initiative reflects a broader trend across North America, where schools and parks are adopting dark sky-friendly lighting to enhance community engagement with nighttime environments responsibly. While U.S. Open officials aimed to strike a balance between optimal visibility for audiences and players and environmental conservation, experts note that even the best sports lighting can still contribute to light pollution.

Read More