Focus on light pollution: nature photography and the night sky in Admont

Focus on light pollution: nature photography and the night sky in Admont

On October 18 and 19, 2024, the event "Nature photography in the dialogue" attracted numerous interested parties in the Alps campus in Hieflau. The focus of the discussion was the burning topic of light pollution and the importance of an unobstructed night sky for future generations. This round of talks dealt intensively with the question of how the dark nights can be recovered, which play an important role in many cultures, myths and religions.

Special attention was paid to the challenge caused by the growing light pollution. This not only affects the night sky, but also on the life of animals and plants in nature. Fantastic strategies were developed by experts to preserve the night sky for the future. Photography is a crucial tool to document the changes in the night sky and to sensitize the public to the problem.

challenge light pollution

The Gesäusche National Park, specializing in one of the darkest night skies in Europe, has set itself the task of creating the largest certified light protection area in Austria in cooperation with the Kalkalpen National Park and the Styrian Eisenwurz Nature Park. This measure ensures that the natural conditions of the night sky are protected and the fascinating star landscape will remain visible in the future.

The program started on Friday evening with a captivating lecture by Florian Freistetter, who addressed the "beauty of darkness". The Saturday morning was reserved for the panel discussion, in which a top -class panel made of doctor and astrophotographer Dietmar Hager, astrophysicist Florian Freistetter, scientist Anna Kovarovics and astrophotographer Michael Kleinburger shared her perspectives for light pollution. The well -known moderator Sonja Bettel directed through the event and ensured that all voices were heard.

This initiative, which includes science and art of nature photography, is an important step to sharpen the awareness of the topic of light pollution and to discuss sustainable solutions. Such events create a deeper understanding of the meaning of a dark night that is of great importance not only for astronomy, but also for biology and ecology.