In a bid to combat light pollution, experts have revealed that York could become the UK’s first ‘Dark Sky City’.
There is a growing call for urban areas to be a part of the Dark Skies movement, which would see the city join the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, both designated Dark Sky Reserves.
On Tuesday (4 March) academics from York St John University met with astronomers to discuss how measures such as using warmer, directional street lighting can significantly benefit urban areas.
The event aimed to challenge attendees to rethink the way they use light and highlighted the urgent need for action against excessive artificial light, which negatively impacts wildlife, human health, and the environment.
Solutions to reduce light pollution include using warm, white LED lighting, switching lights off when they’re not needed and adjusting light angles to ensure they face downward.
York St John University is leading in this effort and has already begun work to make its main campus on Lord Mayor’s Walk more dark skies friendly.
Dr Jen Hall, Associate Professor of Tourism and Events at York St John University said, “Yorkshire is a hub of Dark Skies activity with fantastic efforts to reduce light pollution.
“More than a third of Yorkshire’s land area is under some form of dark sky designation, with a handful of villages now included too. But as yet the UK has no Dark Sky city.
“We believe York has the potential, knowledge and impetus to be the first. By coming together, we can protect our night skies for future generations and make York a model for responsible lighting in cities across the UK.”
As of November 2023, there were 21 International Dark Sky Reserves worldwide.
If York were to achieve Dark Sky City status, it would be the first of its kind in the UK, offering incredible starry skies.
Richard Darn, a dark sky advocate, said, “The dark sky movement has picked up pace in recent years as we realise that a healthy nighttime environment is vital for wildlife as well as humans.