Why is it important to you that we preserve and reclaim dark skies for future generations? 

I often ask myself the question, "If Van Gogh was alive today, would there have been enough clarity in the night skies over Saint Rémy, France to inspire his famous "Starry Night" painting? Fortunately, there are places where we can clearly see the night stars; however, as light pollution spreads, we are quickly losing one of the oldest and most universal links to all of human history. This is why we need to promote the use and benefits of dark sky areas as sanctuaries for creativity and solace —areas where we can remove the noise from our busy lives, to think, dream and be inspired. 

Yuri Beletsky is a professional astronomer and an award winning nightscape photographer based in Chile. He conducts scientific research and deals with modern astronomical instrumentation at one of the largest optical telescopes located in Atacama desert.

He is an expert in astronomical photography and panoramic imaging of the night sky in particular. His images are known world wide and have been featured in various books, magazines (Astronomy, Sky & Telescope, The Times magazine, etc..), popular websites, and on TV. Yuri is one of the most active contributors to NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD), having more than 50 featured images on the NASA website. When not at the observatory you can find him traveling around the world and sharing his passion for astrophotography and nightscape photography through lectures, private lessons, and workshops.  Instagram: @yuribeletsky

Why is it important to you that we preserve and reclaim dark skies for future generations?

In the modern world more then 60% of the total population of our planet live under light-polluted skies. Over the past 25 years global light pollution has increased by almost 50%. These are truly astonishing numbers. We are already seeing emerging human generation which has never seen truly dark stary skies. In ancient times people used stars to navigate, starry skies have always been an inspiration of artists, creatives, scientists, and for the society in whole. The history of many scientific discoveries were closely connected to astronomy and exploration of the night sky. The impact of the light pollution on the natural environment and on our health is real and it only leads to further exacerbation of the crisis of biodiversity. Therefore we should do our best to protect the wildlife and our own health from the devastating effect of the light pollution by using energy responsibly and thus preserving the planet for future generations.

Matt Dieterich has been passionate about photography and stargazing since 2005 when he first used a telescope to capture images of the night sky. While working at Mt. Rainier National Park in 2015, his astrophoto of Mt. Rainier was selected by the US Postal Service to become a Forever Stamp celebrating the National Park Service Centennial. Matt also received his first NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) showcasing the Perseid Meteor Shower from Mt. Rainier. Ever since then, Matt has been fascinated with National Parks and the dark night skies they offer. In 2020, he served as Artist in Residence at Craters of the Moon National Monument where he documented the dark skies. Over the years, Matt's work has been published by outlets such as National Geographic, PBS, and CBS. His day job is installing PlaneWave Instruments telescopes for astronomers and astrophotographers all around the world. With the goal of inspiring others to stargaze, Matt continues sharing his passion for astrophotography during workshops and on his YouTube channel. Instagram: @mattdieterich

Why is it important to you that we preserve and reclaim dark skies for future generations?

Witnessing the night sky away from city lights can be an incredibly powerful experience. Being under a dark night sky and looking up in awe at thousands of stars is a very human experience. While we stargaze, we are carrying on a tradition that our ancestors carried out for centuries. With light pollution growing at a scary pace, now more than ever is it time to travel with someone to dark skies and show them how life changing seeing the Milky Way and thousands of stars can be. 

Why is it important to you that we preserve and reclaim dark skies for future generations?

Light pollution destroys our view of the heavens above and has negative impacts on  our health and ecosystems. From an astronomical point of view, if we continue to neglect the impact that it has, we will struggle to see the stars in the Milky Way and the countless nebulea and galaxies beyond. By observing and taking pictures of the night sky we gain a huge appreciation of our home and place in the universe. It captures our imagination and inspires us to move forward in developing a better future. 

Why is it important to you that we preserve and reclaim dark skies for future generations

As a child I was hyper active and you couldn't get me to stop talking or sit still. But when we went camping, there was always something about the stars that got me to slow down, and be calm. That hasn't changed and I'm afraid that if we don't have the calming effects of the night sky, our ability to center and find peace within ourselves may disappear; the anger, frustration and hurt will take over which has already been happening in society.

Why is it important to you that we preserve and reclaim dark skies for future generations?

Throughout history, mankind has been guided by the stars. They were our first compass, our first clock, and ultimately led to our understanding of our position in the cosmos. We are slowly losing visibility of our milky way, and soon there will not be a civilized place on Earth where it is visible. Without it, the source of inspiration that has helped mold some of the greatest minds in history will be gone, and the loss is immeasurable. 

Why is it important to you that we preserve and reclaim dark skies for future generations?

The future is now. Light pollution disrupts the circadian rhythm in people, as well as animals. For us, light pollution contributes to sleep disorders which can affect our overall health. For animals, light pollution is even more costly. Light pollution changes night into day for many species, making habitats unsuitable for survival and reproduction. Preserving dark skies is essential to humans and animals alike, now, and for future generations.

Why is it important to you that we preserve and reclaim dark skies for future generations?

I have loved spending time under the stars with my father and children throughout my entire life.  Viewing the milky way in a dark sky location is something fairly few people truly experience.  I want future generations to be able to experience the same sense of awe I have been able to experience my entire life.