Nearly 100 communes in Belgium, including in Brussels, will be dimming public lights and switching some off completely on Saturday for the 17th edition of the Night of Darkness. Several activities and events will be organised in light of the initiative.
This year's edition of the Night of Darkness, organised by the Association for the Preservation of the Night Sky and Environment (Ascen) in French-speaking Belgium and Leve(n)de nacht vzw in the northern part of the country, will take place in nearly 40 municipalities in Wallonia and Brussels (Auderghem, Uccle and Jette) and more than 60 in Flanders.
"Long ago, the nightscape was a familiar sight for everyone, as natural as the world we see lit by the sun during the day," the Dutch-speaking organisation wrote on its website. "But today, night has become a rare commodity, with far-reaching consequences for both humanity and the natural world."
Night light, for example, affects the hunting and migration patterns of animals such as bats, owls and hedgehogs. For humans, there are direct links to sleep disorders, stress and other health problems.
The initiative aims to "raise public awareness and influence policymakers" in the fight against light pollution, the nuisance caused to humans and animals by too much artificial light.
Nocturnal walks and space observations
Cities and municipalities take part by switching off or dimming their lights (of monuments and buildings, not the street lighting). Meanwhile, astronomy and nature associations will organise a wide range of activities.
In the Brussels municipality of Jette, a night walk will be organised by Natuurpunt, covering light pollution and its impact, and what the municipality is doing to protect both, all while looking to spot nocturnal animals. In Auderghem, the Rouge-Cloître will organise observations of the sky with professional telescopes, a light pollution experiment, 360° observations using virtual reality headsets and storytelling and nature walks, among others.
Further afield, at Signal de Botrange –the highest point in the country – the Maison du Parc will offer astronomical observations, a sunset walk, and performances and stories, while in Namur, the famous Citadel will open to visitors for guided night tours, showcasing its nocturnal wildlife.
