The night sky is getting 10% brighter every year. We’re forgetting what darkness feels like
The article discusses the increasing problem of light pollution and its impact on the natural night sky. The author shares a personal experience of rediscovering true darkness in a remote part of Oregon, highlighting the loss of natural night environments due to urban lighting.
Why it matters
Light pollution disrupts ecosystems and human circadian rhythms, making the preservation of dark sky areas a growing environmental concern.
The Milky Way is seen in the western night sky near Mount Pinos, California, in 2026. Photograph: Raul Roa/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images The Milky Way is seen in the western night sky near Mount Pinos, California, in 2026. Photograph: Raul Roa/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Environment The night sky is getting 10% brighter every year. We’re forgetting what darkness feels like If more cities start regulating outdoor lighting, we humans could make the environment better for all living creatures
Prefer the Guardian on Google E very night, I can turn off the lights in my room – but I can’t do anything about the outdoor lights in the walkway or parking lot that leak through the curtains. Living in Portland, where the night is still illuminated by street lights, porch lights and parking lot glare, I forgot what it actually feels like to sleep in darkness.
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