Fear and Fascination: Why We Must Rediscover the Darkness
The longest night of the year arrives with the winter solstice on 21 December. After this point, daylight in Vienna slowly returns, growing by about one minute each day. Yet as natural darkness recedes, artificial light spreads—bringing both benefits and growing concerns.
For centuries, the starry sky guided navigation, inspired myths, and shaped human culture. Today, only one in ten stars remains visible above Vienna due to light pollution. Globally, 99% of people in Europe and North America live under skies that never reach true darkness, with emissions rising every year.
Astronomers struggle to observe celestial objects as artificial glow washes out the night. Beyond science, the loss affects traditions tied to stargazing and storytelling. Biologically, the effects are just as stark. Nocturnal animals face disrupted hunting, breeding, and survival as artificial light alters their natural rhythms. Humans, too, suffer—exposure to excessive night-time light throws off circadian cycles, raising risks of sleep disorders and long-term health problems. Yet darkness itself carries complex meanings. For some, it offers safety and community, while for others—particularly women and marginalised groups—it evokes fear and restricts movement. The tension between light and dark remains deeply personal and cultural.
The winter solstice marks a turning point, with daylight gradually returning. But as cities grow brighter, the natural night sky fades further from view. The balance between light and darkness—crucial for ecosystems, health, and heritage—continues to shift, with consequences that reach far beyond the stars.
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