Why are dark skies important?
For visitors or residents in a beautiful protected landscape such as the North York Moors National Park, our dark sky vistas and night-time habitats are every bit as important as those we see during the day. Sensitively installed and correctly adjusted lighting helps protect dark skies which are important for many reasons.
Tranquillity
Residents and visitors to protected landscapes such as National Parks value the feeling of tranquillity at night that only comes under truly dark skies.
Rural economy
The stargazing season starts after the busy summer season, boosting tourism businesses over autumn and winter without putting additional stress on rural communities
Education
A stargazing experience is often considered to be the first opportunity children get to understand the scale of the universe and our place in it, inspiring an interest in science.
Culture
Storytelling based on the stars has been used for thousands of years to pass on important cultural and scientific messages. The stars have inspired everyone from Van Gough’s paintings to Don McLean songs.
Nature/wildlife
Over millions of years, all creatures, trees, shrubs and plants have evolved to survive and thrive with natural day/night cycles. Flora and fauna haven’t evolved to cope with artificial light at night and it can have a devastating impact on the natural behaviour of moths, bats, hedgehogs and birds to name a few.
Human health
Humans too have evolved natural circadian rhythms (natural sleep-wake cycles), which, when disrupted by bright lights at night, can cause health issues including insomnia, depression and even certain types of cancer.
Energy/carbon emissions
Switching to LED lighting saves energy and money but used incorrectly can cause significant nuisance. Well controlled and sensitively installed lighting is crucial in helping to protect dark skies.