A Noblesville High School student’s class project is earning her more than just a good grade, it’s garnering attention from a pretty important group: NASA is now following her updates on social media.

Jessie Elliott, a junior, is working on a project for Don Wettrick’s Innovations class regarding light pollution. She wants to reduce the amount of unnecessary light at night so that people can enjoy the night sky.

“The ability to look up into the sky and marvel at what you see is something that connects us to humans,” said Elliott, “not only around the world but, you know, since the beginning of time.”

Elliott is working with the city of Noblesville to develop an ordinance requiring city lights to be shielded so they direct rays down, rather than allowing light to go up into the sky. According to her research, it will be cheaper for the city in the long run as well because it would allow the use of lower watt bulbs while concentrating the light where people need it.

“I think there’s a way to do efficient lighting that’s safe for everyone and it doesn’t use more energy than necessary,” stated Elliott. “I’m more interested in the scientific aspect, not necessarily the politics of it, but it’s necessary with a project like this.”

It’s a lot of work, but Elliott is hoping to have the project finished before the end of her senior year of high school. If passed, the ordinance would make changes gradually over time to the city’s lighting.

Source: WISH TV