ADVOCACY

My advocacy work focuses on spreading awareness of light pollution and preserving dark skies. I am a Dark Sky International advocate and a Globe at Night citizen scientist. Everything I do aims to bring back the true night sky for children my age and the generations that will follow.

I invite neighbours and friends for community astronomy nights. I set up telescopes so everyone can see the Moon’s craters and deep sky objects that most people have only seen in photographs. I guide them to recognize constellations, and explain how unshielded outdoor lights can hide the stars.

At school I give presentations about light pollution, and the beauty of natural night. Many classmates tell me afterward that they never knew about light pollution and some share that they have never seen the Milky Way with their own eyes.

To reach people beyond my neighbourhood I create short videos and post them on YouTube and Instagram where I show easy steps families can take, like using warm colour, shielded outdoor lights and adding timers or motion sensors so that light shines only when and where it is needed.

Citizen science is another part of this work. Through Globe at Night I measure sky brightness and submit observations. These measurements help scientists track how fast the night sky is changing. I also encourage others to join this effort during my outreach sessions.

All these activities support my vision that every child deserves to experience a night sky filled with stars right where they live. I am considering names such as Protect Our Skies or Save Our Nights for all of my work, where the word “our” speaks for children today and those who will come after us.

My work is still young, but I see it already having impacts.

Neighbourhood astronomy nights
After almost every gathering someone tells me they have never seen the Milky Way except in photos or videos. That moment of wonder is powerful. About five to six families have already changed how they use outdoor lights after attending these sessions.

Online outreach
My social media videos on light pollution and its effects have reached several viewers. I receive encouraging messages.

Astrophotography
I capture and share photographs of galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, and other deep space objects. These images reach thousands of people on social media and help them appreciate the beauty of the night sky and the importance of protecting it.

Citizen science
Through Globe at Night I measure and share data on night sky brightness. Every observation strengthens worldwide research on how quickly light pollution grows.

My turning point came last October when I set out to see Comet C/2023 A3. From my home the sky was too bright, so my parents and I drove more than forty kilometres into the countryside. There I witnessed something unforgettable. A true dark sky filled with stars, the glowing Milky Way, and the comet right beside it. I stood amazed and took a photograph with my mother’s smartphone, trying to hold on to that incredible scene.

Later that night I felt a quiet sadness when I realised I could never see the same sky back home, even though we do not live in a large city. That contrast stayed with me on the ride back and made me want to understand why the night looked so different.

I began to search for answers. I learned that light pollution is rising about 10% each year, which means more and more stars are disappearing. I discovered that wasted light means wasted energy, adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. I found research showing that artificial light disrupts wildlife such as migratory birds, sea turtles, and fireflies, and even affects trees and human sleep cycles. I understood that light pollution is closely linked to climate challenges.

As I looked further, I found Dark Sky International, a non profit organization that works for awareness of light pollution and protection of dark skies. Its mission matched exactly what I had experienced. I immediately registered as a Dark Sky advocate and began outreach so that others could see how simple choices can make a difference.

Soon after, Dark Sky International invited entries for its Capture the Dark contest. I submitted a photograph of the comet and the Milky Way. The image won the People’s Choice Award, helping me share that unforgettable night and the story behind it with people around the world.

That single evening showed me how wonder can grow into public awareness. One clear view of the universe can ignite a lifelong commitment to protect the night sky.

Everyday habits
Many people feel safer when outdoor areas are very bright. They leave lights on all night or choose bulbs that are harsh. Explaining that good lighting which is shielded, warm, and aimed down only where needed can improve visibility and comfort takes patience and clear examples. I often show simple illustrations, posters or photos to demonstrate how well-designed lighting makes paths clearer and homes more safe by avoiding glare and can be welcoming while still protecting the night.

Limited Awareness
Most people have heard about air, water, and land pollution, but few realise that light pollution is also a serious environmental issue. In my conversations, I begin with what they know, then show how light pollution adds to greenhouse gases. When I share these facts many are surprised to learn how important the night and darkness are for our ecosystem. This connection to climate change helps the message.

Practical and Policy changes
Changing city or neighbourhood lighting involves rules, budgets, and planning. I know that policy may take time and that I need to build relevant and necessary experience. For now I’m focused on grassroots steps such as community events, school outreach, online reach, and simple home lighting changes. As I grow I plan to work more with dark sky chapters to participate in wider discussions.

I worry about the fading night sky and whether a time may come when even remote dark sites no longer show a truly dark sky and about kids growing up without ever seeing the Milky Way with their own eyes and without feeling that first moment of amazement that drew me to astronomy and astrophotography.

I also think about wildlife that depends on darkness. Birds that migrate in the dark can become lost in bright city light, sometimes circling until they are exhausted or striking buildings. Baby sea turtles are drawn toward shore lights instead of the ocean. Fireflies and many insects decline when nights stay bright. Even trees need the natural rhythm of day and night. People often assume that light outside does not affect them indoors, yet research shows that it does and that it influences human health.

Light pollution can be minimised and even reversed when people follow simple steps for responsible outdoor lighting. Organizations such as Dark Sky International share these steps, and I also share them on my website. Light pollution is one of the few environmental problems that we can turn around effectively. Cities and towns around the world already show that with good policies and simple actions the stars can return.

When my photograph of the Milky Way with the comet night won the People’s Choice Award in Dark Sky International’s 2025 Capture the Dark contest, it showed me that many others care about this issue as they voted from around the world. The image and the story reached far beyond my community and raised awareness far more widely than I could have done on my own.

Seeing a true dark sky is powerful. Only when people actually experience that depth of stars can they realise what is missing and feel moved to protect it. Every conversation I have strengthens my hope that together we can bring back the stars.

I picture a future where every community treasures the night sky the way we already value clean air, safe water, and green parks.

Neighbourhoods with darker skies
Imagine stepping outside home and seeing the Milky Way. Streetlights would be carefully designed so sidewalks and homes stay safe and welcoming while the sky above remains deep and clear.

Healthier wildlife and ecosystems
Birds would migrate along natural routes without being drawn into dangerous circles of light. Sea turtle hatchlings would head straight to the sea. Fireflies, insects, and trees would follow natural rhythms, strengthening the entire ecosystem.

Human well being
People would sleep better with nights that match the body’s natural clock. Families would feel calmer in evenings that are gentle on the eyes and rich with stars. Communities would save energy and reduce greenhouse gases by using responsible outdoor lighting.

Curiosity and science
Children could grow up under the darker skies of plenty of stars, sparking the same kind of wonder that has inspired explorers, scientists, and storytellers for thousands of years.

My family has always encouraged curiosity and exploration. From a young age we would step outside on clear nights and talk about our place in the universe. Those moments built my love for space and science long before I even knew the word astronomy.

My parents also supported hands-on learning. When I wanted to build small science projects or stay out late for stargazing or for capturing images of deep space objects, they helped make it all possible. They encouraged questions and conversations. That way of learning, observing, asking, and experimenting stays with me every time I set up a telescope. I can't thank them enough for all their support.

I would like to tell young people to begin by looking up. Spend a few minutes outside on a clear night and notice how many stars you can see. Plan a short trip to a darker place and experience the difference. Think about why we miss so many stars where we live and what steps we can take to make conditions better.

Next, take small actions at home and learn more about light pollution. You can watch many good videos on YouTube that explain its effects. Look for astronomy communities near you. Many cities and towns have astronomy clubs, planetariums, or a local Dark Sky chapter. Join their events, go camping under dark skies, or attend star parties like StarFest. If telescopes or binoculars are available, take the chance to look at Saturn’s rings, the Moon’s craters, and distant galaxies. Each view deepens your understanding and inspires you to learn more.

Join a citizen science project such as Globe at Night. Even a single measurement of sky brightness helps scientists track how fast conditions are changing.

Use your creativity. Write a short story, draw a night sky scene, or create a video of what you see and share it with others.

Most importantly, stay curious and keep a sense of wonder for nature. When young people show that they care, families, schools, and communities notice. Many small changes can join together and give an entire generation the chance to grow up under a sky full of stars.

The future of the night sky depends on choices we make today, and many of those choices are in the hands of adults, homeowners, city planners, business owners, and policy makers. If we do not act now, it may become very hard to reverse the effects.

Start at home
Use light only where and when it is needed. Choose warm colour bulbs, shield outdoor fixtures so light points downward, and add timers or motion sensors. These changes save energy, protect our ecosystem, and create calm evenings. They are easy steps that can begin tonight.

Think about the wider community
If you work with schools, neighbourhood associations, or city councils, support responsible lighting policies. Encourage lights out practices during bird migration seasons and ask for shielded streetlights that keep roads safe while letting the stars shine.

Support real night experiences for the younger generation
Take children and grandchildren to a dark sky park or a star party. Show them the Milky Way and let them feel the wonder of a natural night.

Lead by example and share knowledge
Talk about light pollution as naturally as you would talk about air or water quality. Share stories and images from your own dark sky visits. Invite neighbours to try simple changes and celebrate the results together.

Every thoughtful choice, whether in a backyard, a front yard, a school, or a city plan, helps give my generation and the next a chance to grow up under a night sky full of stars. I request the older readers to help protect dark skies for all who will follow.