Aerospace engineer Juan Carlos Hernández, president of the Queretana Astronomical Society and a defender of the night sky for over two decades, faces the challenge of light pollution and urbanization that threaten the darkness of the firmament. Hernández, who has dedicated time to seeking dark areas to contemplate the stars, laments how artificial lighting has made the night sky 10% brighter each year.
At an event to observe the comet A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, Hernández, along with other astronomy enthusiasts like Ricardo Soriano, emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the conservation of night skies and the need to establish regulations to reduce light pollution. Despite efforts to implement the General Law of Ecological Balance of Mexico, Hernández has encountered obstacles in the state Congress of Querétaro.
The Joya-La Barreta park, certified as an urban dark sky area by the organization DarkSky International, becomes a refuge for astronomical observation amidst the growing light pollution. Astronomical activists, such as Hernández and Soriano, seek to promote citizen participation in the protection of these natural spaces that host rich biodiversity and offer the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the universe.
The increase in urbanization and the need for lighting in cities pose a challenge to preserving night darkness, crucial for the functioning of ecosystems and the well-being of species. Concern for the impact of light pollution on local flora and fauna motivates dark sky advocates to continue fighting for their conservation and to raise awareness in society about the importance of preserving night darkness for future generations.
