Protecting and restoring dark skies should be a priority for communities around the world. As populations grow and cities expand, so too does the world's light pollution. Having the opportunity to see a sky filled with stars is a beautiful, humbling, and inspiring experience that everyone should have access to. But the issue is bigger than just our ability to look up and be awestruck. Light pollution can impact the development of plants, populations of insects, and many animals depend on dark skies for survival or navigation.
Some areas have been designated dark sky reserves in order to help preserve their dark skies. And some cities have begun to implement measures to help curb light pollution such as shutting off city lights, changing the types of bulbs used in street lamps, or installing shades that keep light from escaping upward into the atmosphere.
Have you ever had the chance to see the milky way in person? Do you have any dark sky reserves or other dark places near where you live? Or do you have to travel far to find a dark sky?
For more information, feel free to visit the International Dark-Sky Association.