In the Rhön, the night sky can be seen as clearly as in few places in Germany. In the Sternenpark, which has been established for ten years, visitors learn about the importance of protecting the night and the consequences of light pollution.
Light pollution as a harmful environmental impact is becoming an increasingly significant issue worldwide. It has consequences for humans, animals, and nature when too much artificial light is used. The Sternenpark Rhön, which has been recognized for ten years, shows that there is another way. The anniversary has been celebrated for months with events. On August 23, a public festival will be held at the Radom on the Wasserkuppe.
Sternenpark Coordinator Sabine Frank explains the importance of protecting the night. Questions and answers:
How is the anniversary of the Sternenpark being celebrated?
What is a Sternenpark?
What is the assessment of the Sternenpark Rhön after ten years?
How many facilities of this kind are there worldwide?
How does a region become a Sternenpark?
How big of a problem is light pollution?
Why is an excess of light in the home garden harmful?
How does light pollution affect humans?
How do municipalities contribute to avoiding light pollution?
What are companies doing to combat light pollution?
Does more darkness in public spaces make them unsafe?
Has the Sternenpark changed tourism?
What problems have arisen from Sternenpark tourism?
Celebrations for the Sternenpark anniversary have been ongoing with various events. The festival in July was a central, cross-border celebration with the municipalities. On August 23, a public festival will be held at the Radom on the Wasserkuppe. The „Chill-out under the starry sky“ event will begin at 6 p.m. with free entry. Various activities such as guided tours, lectures, workshops, and gastronomic offers are available during the Rhöner Sternenpark weeks. The recognition of the Sternenpark was announced by the International Dark Sky Association on August 7, 2014.
The Sternenpark designation is awarded to areas that preserve valuable and natural night landscapes. The Sternenpark Rhön has received the highest award. However, a Sternenpark is not a defined park with an entrance and exit or an amusement park. Instead, it is an area where municipalities are mindful of their lighting to reduce light pollution. The goal is to use as little artificial light as possible to observe an intact night landscape.
Coordinator Sabine Frank acknowledges the progress made in the Sternenpark Rhön over the past ten years but notes that there is still much work to be done. Initiatives such as converting to less glaring streetlights are underway in 17 municipalities in Osthessen. Despite these efforts, there is still a long way to go to achieve the best possible implementation and significant reduction in unnecessary light.
Currently, there are 22 reserves like the Sternenpark Rhön worldwide. In Germany, the Sternenpark Westhavelland is the only other location of the highest category. Various other categories, such as Urban Dark Sky Places and Dark Sky Communities, exist under the Dark-Sky Program of the International Dark Sky Association.
The impact of light pollution on human health has been studied, highlighting disruptions in sleep patterns and chemical signaling in the body due to artificial light at night. The influence of outdoor lighting on health, however, requires further research.
Municipalities are playing a role in reducing light pollution by converting their streetlights and, in some cases, implementing night shutdowns. Despite some support from the population, there is also criticism, particularly in areas where streetlights have always been on.
In conclusion, the Sternenpark Rhön serves as an important example of responsible light management and the need to protect our night sky. Through ongoing efforts and awareness campaigns, the impact of light pollution can be mitigated, ensuring a healthier environment for all living beings.