08-03-2025
Preserving the Night: Protecting Oman's Dark Skies
Our night skies are a beautiful canvas to the great galaxies beyond. We look up at the expanse and marvel at the different magic our night sky extends to us, from constellations that tell ancient stories to the wandering planets tracing their celestial paths. Each night unveils its own charm—whether it is the brilliance of meteor showers streaking across the heavens, the serene glow of the Moon, or the distant twinkle of stars that have travelled light-years to meet our gaze. The night sky is a timeless canvas, a source of inspiration, curiosity, and a gentle reminder of our place in the universe.
However, there is another reason to appreciate the dark night skies, unpolluted by light; dark nights are better for our health, signalling the brain to produce melatonin, which is necessary for a good night's sleep (this is why it is important to reduce screen time before bed). Good sleep, in turn, has a host of benefits—it is how we reset and recover, and it even strengthens our memory and learning. It is after proper rest that we are able to give our best.
Preserving the Night: Protecting Oman's Dark Skies
But darkness does not only have positive implications for our health. It is beneficial for our planet's health and ecosystem too, allowing wildlife to thrive in their natural rhythms. From safeguarding nocturnal animals' sleep and hunting patterns to improving plant growth by preserving their natural light cycles, the benefits of dark skies are extensive.
Migrating birds and sea turtles, which rely on the stars for navigation, are particularly vulnerable to the disorienting impact of excessive lighting. In Oman, significant steps are being taken to address these concerns through legislation aimed at reducing light pollution. In 2022, Oman launched its National Programme for the Preservation of the Night Sky, which focuses on minimising light pollution and promoting sustainable lighting practices. This initiative aims to protect wildlife, including sea turtles, that depend on natural light for navigation.
Preserving the Night: Protecting Oman's Dark Skies
To further mitigate light pollution, measures such as using turtle-friendly lighting, shielding lights, and turning off unnecessary illumination during nesting seasons are being encouraged. Such measures help ensure that turtles can safely nest and that hatchlings can reach the ocean, ultimately supporting their survival and population recovery.
'A lot of the practices that improve the night sky are also good for people's finances. Wasteful lighting practices, especially very bright lights that do nothing but illuminate the sky, can be avoided,' explains Hilmi Al Kindy, an astronomer and operator of an astronomy retail shop. He highlights the detrimental effect of spotlights that point upwards or out from buildings.
Hilmi advises keeping lighting focused where it is needed, using full-cutoff fixtures with shades that prevent light from spreading unnecessarily. By adopting mindful lighting practices, we can significantly reduce light pollution while preserving the natural beauty of our night skies. Shielded, full-cutoff fixtures, warm-coloured lights, and motion-sensor systems not only minimise unnecessary illumination but also conserve energy and support wildlife.
Oman has several designated areas that are recognized for their dark skies, making them ideal for stargazing and astronomical observation. One prominent area is the Raz al Jinz Nature Reserve, located on the eastern tip of the Musandam Peninsula. This site is not only important for its marine and coastal biodiversity but is also acclaimed for its low light pollution, making it an excellent location for observing celestial events.
Another notable area is Jebel Shams, Oman's highest peak, which offers stunning views of the night sky due to its elevation and remote location away from urban lighting.
Additionally, Oman has been exploring the potential for Dark Sky Parks, which are protected areas where the night sky is preserved for the enjoyment and education of the public and astronomers. Efforts to promote stargazing tourism and increase awareness about light pollution have been part of Oman's broader environmental initiatives.
Small, intentional changes in how we use light can have a profound impact—not just on the environment but also on our health and well-being. By protecting our dark skies, we reconnect with the wonders of the universe and ensure that future generations can experience the magic of an unpolluted, starlit night.
