This year’s European Symposium for the Protection of the Night Sky marks the 16th in a series of conferences, that bring experts together to take a stand against the increasing problem of light pollution. In 2024, the conference is to be held in Groningen, the Netherlands, and to be organised by the University of Groningen under the auspices of DarkSky International, the previous International DarkSky Organisation.
The European Symposium for the Protection of the Night Sky was first held in 1998 in France. The first edition can be said to hold a pivotal place within the history of the international dark sky movement. It represents the pioneering initiative to consistently unite researchers and activists committed to combating light pollution, so they can exchange ideas and together take the next step forward to a darker night sky.
The gathering provides a platform for experts from various countries and diverse disciplines to present their contributions and share and discuss their findings. The symposium addresses the many dimensions of light pollution: from the impacts on astronomy and cultural heritage, to the effects that it has on our wellbeing, the nature around us and the economy we live in. Besides exploring the challenges posed by light pollution, including its root causes and negative consequences, potential solutions, regulation frameworks and public engagement prospects are also talked through. Some of the topics that will be outlined specifically are: measuring methods of light pollution, dark sky parks, astro-tourism in Europe, efficient dark sky friendly lighting, the environmental impact (e.g. on insects, birds, and humans), regulations against light as a pollutant in Europe, and light pollution in the Netherlands.
The conference will take place in Groningen from Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 March, 2024. Additionally, an excursion is planned to the nearby Dark Sky Park Lauwersmeer, with the potential for stargazing activities, as well as a visit to the historic Eise Eisinga Planetarium in Franeker. Another highlight will be a visit of the TinyObservatory of the University of Oldenburg and the LEB Niedersachsen. Besides high quality telescopes , the mobile observatory is equipped with various devices for measuring the brightness of the sky and offers the KID project the opportunity to test identical measuring devices under different sky spectra. The final program will be put online shortly. Interested in attending? Although the abstract hand-in deadline has passed, registration is still very much possible!
Image Source: Photo by Rutger Bus