I lay on the back of a cold mattress on a concrete terrace, my face sticking out of a mosquito net. Slowly, my eyes turned upward. The sight was astounding, the beauty breathtaking. A vast river of stars above, bright, studded into the dark night sky. For millennia, our ancestors have had a deep sense of connection to the sky. The earliest of mankind gazed up at the sky and found meaning in the stars and their shapes, made constellations and created numerous stories about the sky. Sailormen traversed murky waters in the night with the help of the stars. Mythology finds most of its origins in the sky, with many religions believing that's where our gods reside. Recent generations have looked at the stars with a scientific lens, learning mysteries about the universe and sparking philosophical discussions among people. Our ancestors had taken the light of the stars as their guiding force, and following in their footsteps, I took the stars as my companions too.

That is, until now.

Every time I step out and look up at the sky, hoping for a glimpse of the sight that ignited childlike wonder and awe, a crushing disappointment engulfs me instead. The sky is a dark shade of grey, the street lights glaring, the signs on the streets bright enough to hide the stars. Light pollution shrouds our sky and a blanket of darkness covers the cities. The stars have disappeared.

Light pollution is caused by artificial lighting. Right from street lamps, to store signs every bit of artificial light contributes to it. Light pollution is not just an aesthetic issue. It disrupts ecosystems, hinders scientific research, and severs a fundamental human connection to the universe. Our circadian rhythms, the internal clock that controls our sleep-wake cycles and other physiological functions, are disturbed when we are exposed to artificial light at night. Chronic circadian rhythm disruption has been associated with a higher risk of mood disorders, sleep disorders, and chronic illnesses like diabetes, obesity, and some types of cancer.

Animals are also severely affected by light pollution. Nocturnal creatures like bats, and owls, are affected the most. One example of the devastating effects of light pollution can be seen in the plight of sea turtles. These creatures have suffered immensely due to the artificial lights that are used to brighten up the beaches and coastal areas. After hatching, baby turtles crawl towards the horizon, but the artificial lights can confuse hatchlings, causing them to crawl in circles, travel away from the ocean, or swim away from deep water. Migratory birds that rely on the starry sky and the moon's light to find their way are thrown off course by light pollution. Many of these birds never make it to their destination. Even insects like moths and fireflies have also been severely affected by light pollution. Fireflies use their bright lights to communicate and attract mates, but with the advent of heavy artificial lighting, their lights have dimmed and their ability to reproduce diminished.

According to scientists and astronomers, the next 20 years will bring us a sky where most stars will be invisible and most constellations indecipherable. To see a clear sky, one might have to travel miles to dark sky reserves in their country. This significantly affects astronomers who observe night phenomena. They rely on clear, dark skies to study celestial objects. However, the glow of artificial light obscures faint stars, galaxies, and nebulae, making them difficult or near impossible to see with telescopes or even the naked eye. Amateur astronomers and stargazers will find their hobbies becoming increasingly occasional and expensive in the future, necessitating travel and costly equipment capable of seeing beyond the haze.

Perhaps the most significant loss we face is as a species. A species that has grown to love the stars and looked inward by looking up. A species where artists, scientists, astronomers, kids, writers, and poets alike have made the night sky their muse. It is saddening to think that our future generations, our kids and grandkids, may never get to experience the sky in all its beauty. They will not understand the connection that we've had with the stars, or lie awake for hours staring at the sky, lost in wonder.

However, reclaiming the night sky is not so difficult. Astronomers are already raising awareness about light pollution and its potential risks, and some governments, such as France, have started taking modest measures to reduce its effects. Simply replacing artificial lighting with warmer coloured lighting, only turning on necessary lights and installing motion sensors are some solutions to combat this issue. Implementing stricter lighting standards and ordinances is just as essential as having and preserving dark sky reserves. Moreover, as we strive to reclaim our connection with the night sky, it's crucial to understand the role of individual actions in combating light pollution. Simple lifestyle changes, such as turning off unnecessary outdoor lights, embracing energy-efficient lighting solutions, and advocating for responsible lighting practices in our communities and circles, can collectively make a significant impact. By creating a culture of appreciation for the darkness and the night sky, we can ensure the stars remain at least partly visible for generations to come. Through education, advocacy, and collective action, we can preserve and rediscover the profound beauty of the cosmos. By taking these steps, we can ensure a healthier environment for ourselves and future generations, allowing us to reconnect with the night sky.

The stars will continue to shine in the sky, the planets will move around in their orbits, and the earth will spin on its axis. Nature reclaims all that belongs to it, and humans must remember that we, too, are nature. Instead of separating ourselves from nature, we must become one with it.

The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff. - Carl Sagan, Cosmos

We are all made up of the very same elements as the stars, we are all stardust. Saving the night sky is just one way of remembering our roots and honouring our connection with nature, honouring ourselves.

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