Natural history featured a pristine night sky, with only celestial bodies visible after sunset. Recent electrification and satellite megaconstellations have severely diminished darkness. Awareness efforts like DarkSky International's photo contest, Capture the Dark, involved over 2200 entrants and showcased winners in categories such as urban landscapes and astrophotography. The competition revealed how urban environments affect nighttime visibility, with many locations experiencing significant light pollution, often allowing only a few stars to be seen. Notable winners included JJ Rao and Mónica Mesa, reflecting a broader interest in capturing the night despite these challenges.
The night sky was once pristine, illuminated only by the Moon, stars, and the Milky Way, but now faces significant light pollution due to electrification and satellite megaconstellations.
DarkSky International's photo contest, Capture the Dark, raised awareness about light pollution with over 2200 entrants showcasing their work across various categories.
Winners included JJ Rao's red sprites in the Capture the Dark category and Mónica Mesa's aurorae in second place, highlighting the continued interest in astrophotography despite light pollution.
Few places remain free from light pollution, with severe instances revealing only a handful of visible stars amid the pervasive interference caused by satellites.
#light-pollution #astrophotography #darksky-international #capture-the-dark #environmental-awareness
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