'Night of Darkness' is a night of light pollution awareness.

In partnership with numerous municipalities and associations across Flanders, Belgium, Leve(n)de Nacht invites you to experience the magic of the night as never before. During 'Night of Darkness', public lighting, monuments, and accent lighting are dimmed to their lowest levels, allowing the true essence of the night to shine through once more.

In a world where excessive and misdirected lighting has become the norm, it's time to reclaim the night and restore balance to our environment. Light pollution not only disrupts the natural rhythms of nocturnal life but also poses significant risks to human health and contributes to unnecessary energy waste.

By joining forces on the 'Night of Darkness', municipalities and associations aim to reconnect communities with the beauty of the night sky. It's an opportunity to rekindle our relationship with darkness, appreciate the wonders of the cosmos, and foster a sense of harmony with our natural surroundings.

In the latter half of the twentieth century, concerns about the disappearance of the night sky started to receive more attention, particularly in the United States. The constant glow of urban sprawl, illuminated roads, and burgeoning industry began to obscure the celestial wonders observed by professional astronomers. However, these challenges also sparked the first glimmers of action.

Driven by a passion to reclaim the starry skies, municipalities rallied to protect astronomical observatories, paving the way for groundbreaking success. Yet, it was the steadfast dedication of Flemish amateur astronomers, who witnessed the gradual disappearance of the stars since the 1970s, that ignited a movement within the Association for Astronomy.

In response to worsening conditions, a light pollution working group was established, determined to shed light on the issue – or rather, to dim it. In 1995, the movement took to the streets of Mechelen in the first-ever demonstration for darkness. This monumental event marked the beginning of an annual tradition: the Night of Darkness.

In 2021, we proudly celebrated the 25th anniversary of this remarkable journey. For a quarter of a century, we've illuminated minds and hearts, advocating for the preservation of our nocturnal landscapes and the protection of our precious night sky.

Light pollution isn't just about stargazers missing out on twinkling constellations – it's a pervasive issue that affects us all. In our country, we've witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of artificial light on our natural world.

From hop vines failing to bloom under the glare of streetlights to the disruption of nocturnal animal habitats, the consequences of light pollution are transboundary and profound. Not to mention the detrimental effects on human health, both physical and psychological, as our biorhythms are thrown out of sync.

Recognizing the urgent need for action, astronomy and environmental associations joined forces with municipal authorities and local groups to create the 'Night of Darkness' activity. This annual event serves as a powerful reminder to everyone of the importance of preserving our night skies.

Since its inception in 1995, the 'Night of Darkness' has become a cornerstone of community engagement, shining a spotlight on the need for sustainable lighting solutions. Today, we're seeing increasing efforts to implement suitable and eco-friendly lighting technologies, such as LED lamps and dynamic lighting systems.

Yet, despite our progress, the battle against light pollution is far from over. As long as our nocturnal landscape remains veiled in artificial glow, the 'Night of Darkness' will continue its mission to restore the darkness we so desperately need.

There are countless activities you can host to raise awareness about light pollution and its impact on our environment. From stargazing parties and night hikes to educational workshops and art installations, the possibilities are endless.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Stargazing Event: Host a stargazing event in a local park or open space. Provide telescopes and guidance from astronomy experts to help attendees appreciate the wonders of the night sky.

• Night Hike: Organize a guided night hike where participants can explore nature under the cover of darkness. Highlight the importance of experiencing the natural world at night and the effects of light pollution on nocturnal ecosystems.

• Lights Out Campaign: Encourage local businesses and residents to turn off unnecessary outdoor lights for the night. Raise awareness about light pollution and its impact on energy consumption and wildlife.

• Educational Workshops: Host workshops or presentations at schools, libraries, or community centres to educate people about the effects of light pollution and how they can take action to reduce it in their own lives.

• Artistic Performances: Showcase artistic performances such as music, dance, or theatre that are inspired by the night sky and the importance of darkness in our lives.

No matter how big or small your action may be, every effort counts towards raising awareness and preserving our precious night skies.

If you're already planning an activity for the Night of Darkness, let us know! Report your activity here.

We'd love to highlight your initiative on our website to encourage community outreach and inspire others in your area to get involved. Together, we can make a difference and bring back the beauty of the night.

Ever wondered why Flanders, Belgium shines so brightly from space? It's not just because of its vibrant culture and bustling cities – it's because we're one of the most illuminated regions in the world. Astronauts even affectionately refer to us as 'Bright Belgium'. But behind this brilliance lies a shadow – light pollution.

The 'shadow side' of this much light is that our region suffers greatly from what is called 'light pollution'. Light pollution is an environmental problem caused by increased, unwanted and misdirected artificial light at night (ALAN). Light pollution can be caused by various sources and has different forms.

Light pollution forms:

• light clutter - bright and excessive groupings of light sources
• sky glow - brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas
• light trespass - light falling where it is not intended or needed
• glare - excessive brightness which causes visual discomfort

Well-known sources of light pollution:
1. outdoor lighting installations (street lights, road lighting, advertisements, security lights, floodlights, others)
2. indoor lighting installations
3. satellites

But fear not! We're on a mission to tackle light pollution head-on, and you can join us. By implementing the Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting, we can make a real difference in preserving our night skies and protecting our planet.

So, are you ready to shine a light on responsible lighting practices?
Learn more about the Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting and join the movement.