THERE IS MAGIC IN STANDING OUTSIDE UNDER a blanket of stars - but it’s becoming more difficult to experience. According to research conducted by the Light Pollution Science and Technology Institute, 80 per cent of the Earth’s landmass is affected by light pollution. Perspective-seekers must put in a bit of work to reach places dark enough to see the cosmos in its glimmering splendour.
PHOTOGRAPH: RASDI ABDUL RAHMAN/GETTY IMAGES
Several national governments and organisations, such as the International Dark Sky Association, have begun awarding designations to places which are working to preserve the quality of their dark skies. But all the dark-sky-friendly LED lighting in the world can’t fix the lingering horizon-glow from a nearby city. To really get dark, you need to seek out, travel to or even hike your way to the remotest corners of the planet.