Abstract: Kite illuminators for night use each have an electric lamp, battery, and mercury switch to control the lamp. The switches respond to both gravity and kite acceleration (or to wind). The lamps light in response to kite motions or tilts. This conserves batteries and also conveys information to the user about the attitude and motions of the kite. Illuminators are mounted on the kite frame or clipped to rings permanently fastened to the kite string, and may be unclipped for day use. Phosphorescent materials are used, as on the rings, to augment and retain the light from the lamps. One illuminator is string-mounted to shine on the kite surface, and flashes upon jerking of the kite string. A two-bulb kite-mounted illuminator lights on one side or the other depending upon the attitude of the kite to the vertical. A tail illuminator responds to motions of the tail to flash. Additional string-mounted units shine on phosphorescent streamers. The four types together form a kite illumination system.