Cindy Luongo Cassidy

Cindy Luongo Cassidy is a leading advocate for dark sky preservation and light pollution reduction in the United States. With a background as a computer systems engineer, Cassidy transitioned her career to focus on protecting the natural night sky, dedicating her efforts to combating light pollution through advocacy, education, and community organizing.

Cassidy serves as a leader within DarkSky Texas, is a founding member of several Hill Country Night Sky groups, and is president of the board for the Hays County Friends of the Night Sky. She played a central role in positioning the City of Dripping Springs to receive the International Dark Sky Community designation, the first in Texas, and has assisted with numerous other International Dark Sky Place applications. Cassidy also contributed to Wimberley’s certification as an International Dark Sky Community. As president of Green Earth Lighting, she led efforts to secure International Dark-Sky Association recognition for the dark skies over Dripping Springs. Her work has inspired advocates beyond Texas, encouraging the establishment of new chapters of the International Dark-Sky Association.

Cassidy’s initiatives include lobbying for light pollution legislation, operating a business focused on dark-sky friendly lighting, serving as the DarkSky Texas Chapter Leader, and organizing the Texas Night Sky Festival. She initiated the "Texas Night Sky Festival®" in Dripping Springs, which has educated thousands about night sky protection. Her community education program, "Be a Star," provides guidance to homeowners and businesses on improving outdoor lighting, with materials available online for adaptation by other advocates.

Cassidy’s contributions have been recognized with honors such as the DarkSky Crawford-Hunter Lifetime Achievement Award, the Chapter Leadership Award, and the Dark Sky Defender Award. As a public speaker, Cassidy addresses the effects of artificial light on humans, animals, and ecosystems, highlighting the environmental and energy-saving benefits of responsible lighting practices. Her presentations emphasize the impact of glare, light trespass, blue light, and poorly directed lighting, offering practical solutions for communities seeking to protect the night sky. Cassidy is recognized for translating environmental science into actionable guidance, making her a credible voice in the field of dark sky advocacy and environmental protection.