When’s the last time you really took a look at the night sky? And no, I don’t just mean in passing in the late hours- but instead intentionally went outside to see the freckles of the night sky? What do you see?
Is there even anything there?
Depending on where you live, it’s very possible that you’re still able to get a slight glimpse at what the night sky has to offer, but for many, that gift has disappeared.
Moving to a city for the first time this summer, I have had to adjust to a different way of living. No more summer campfires or late night stargazing- nature is sparse and the fresh air, nonexistent. To avoid falling into what I call the “corporate life slump”, everyday upon returning from work, I quickly turn around and go back outside. Whether I walk and explore a new neighborhood, or pick up a book in the park, I made myself a promise this summer that my day wouldn’t end when I clocked out of work, but instead the second half would just begin.
As the evening sun falls and dusk becomes dark, I have found myself looking up at the sky to offer me a sense of connection- whether to my home, the earth, or just nature in general, the beauty of the night sky holds enough power to do so. Only when I look up, the sky is freckleless and blank. It’s not even deep and dark, but instead appears shallow and gray. Not a star in the sky.
I know they’re there, but I no longer have the luxury of seeing them. I’ve made efforts some nights to venture to the outskirts of the city, away from high rises and cluttered concrete streets. Still, nothing.
Light Pollution
Although artificial light has its place in our world, it has become a bit overbearing. Typically as humans have done in the past- we don’t know when to stop. We push further and further, chasing the warped idea of what America believes to be success today- money, money, and a little more money. Not nature, nor fresh air. Who cares about forests when we can build more concrete buildings? And what about stars- we have screens to watch instead.
The constant usage of electric lights in cars, streetlamps, offices, factories, outdoor advertising, and buildings is causing what we call sky glow. To keep things fairly simple, sky glow is quite literally what it sounds like- “the brightening of the night sky” (National Geographic, 2022). The more we continue to pollute our world with artificial light, the more of a reality a starless world becomes, and I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready for a world like that.
I think of the joy and peace I feel when I peer at the night sky, and I’m saddened as I try to imagine a world where that no longer exists. I have such fond memories of sitting with my family while on a camping trip, seeing who can spot the big dipper first. In fact, in just being home a couple of weeks ago and taking some quiet moments in the late hours of the night with my mom- I felt a breath of relief as I saw white spots twinkling on the canvas above me.
I think some of the best moments happen underneath the stars. The world is always so quiet.
I challenge you right now to think of a happy moment you’ve had under the night sky. Are you really ready to let that go? Do you want your kids to grow up in a world where they are only told stories of these magical specs in the sky, rather than being able to see them with their own eyes?
I have some good news… We might not have to say goodbye just yet.
International Dark-Sky Association (IDA)
Have you ever heard of a dark sky: sanctuary, park, reserve, etc.?
Well, let me introduce you to the International Dark-Sky Association! Always striving to educate, through an immense amount of passion, leadership, and hard work, this organization brings the issue of light pollution to people all over the world.
By no means do they promote the idea of living in darkness- free of artificial light. Rather, IDA advocates for responsible lighting, so that there is a balance between appreciating the darkness while still living in our modern world full of technological advances.
What are “Dark-Sky Places”
Broken down into several different sectors, Dark-Sky places are areas where artificial lighting is either monitored or non-existent.
Sanctuaries- the darkest, most remote areas whose conservation is the most fragile.
Parks- publicly or privately-owned properties that are protected for natural conservation. Provide responsible outdoor lighting and dark sky programs for visitors.
Reserves- places with populated surroundings whose “core” is protected by policies
Urban Night Sky Places- areas near or surrounded by urban areas that still provide an authentic nighttime experience in the midst of a significant amount of artificial light
International Dark Sky Communities- cities or towns who have adopted quality outdoor lighting ordinances and make efforts to educate communities on the importance of dark-skies
Find a Dark-Sky Place Near You
Located all over the world, Dark-Sky Places surround us.
So, what are you waiting for? Go on an adventure, and chase the darkness of the sky. If you look hard enough, it’s still there. I promise.
References: https://www.darksky.org, https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/light-pollution/
