Dark Skies and Society workshop in Oxford

Communications and Outreach experts from the SKAO were invited to attend an international workshop on Dark Skies and Society in Oxford in March. The meeting brought together academics, practitioners and industry representatives to share insights on the preservation of dark skies and the ecological and health impact of light pollution globally, but also to discuss sustainable development opportunities enabled by dark skies such as astro-tourism.

The meeting looked at socio-economic benefits dark skies can bring in terms of improved and more efficient urban planning, promoting Indigenous knowledge, and developing tourism opportunities; but also at the effects of light pollution on biodiversity, mental health and well-being; and the importance of greater public advocacy for dark skies and stronger policies.

Astro-tourism is a promising avenue for sustainable economic development near the SKA sites in Australia and South Africa which the SKAO is keen to support, working with local partners.