The night sky is getting brighter by about ten per cent each year — that's the scientific estimate. While new forms of lighting technology can reduce the amount of light pollution, the sheer impact of a global boom in artificial lighting is just too much. It threatens the health of both humans and other animals. Historically, darkness has been seen in a negative social and cultural context, so can we change our attitudes and learn to embrace the dark sky? In other words, see the light about the beauty of darkness!

Guests

Ruskin Hartley – Executive Director, Dark Sky International

Dr Paul Bogard – Associate Professor Hamline University (US) and author of The End of Night: Searching for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light

Dr Tim Edensor – Cultural Geographer, Manchester Metropolitan University 

Further information

DarkSky International: Five principles for responsible outdoor lighting

Nick Dunn/Tim Edensor - Dark Skies: Places, Practises, Communities