Understanding Our Disconnection from the Night Sky and Ways to Rediscover It

In his evocative book, The Wild Dark: Finding the Night Sky in the Age of Light, Craig Childs embarks on a transformative biking journey with friend Irvin Fox-Fernandez from the bright lights of Las Vegas to the unspoiled dark-sky havens, illustrating the stark contrast of light pollution along the John E. Bortle Dark-Sky Scale. With over 83% of the U.S. population living under artificial illumination, Childs argues that the growing prevalence of light pollution—up by 40% globally since the 1990s—poses significant threats to human health, wildlife, and our connection to the cosmos. He shares practical solutions for mitigating light pollution, such as using shielded fixtures and motion sensors, while inviting readers to explore the mysteries of the night sky. The culmination of their expedition in a Bortle 1 area offers profound insights into the vastness of the universe, prompting a reflection on what we miss when we neglect the stars. Childs’ narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of rekindling our connection to nature and the cosmos, encouraging readers to turn their gaze upwards and reconnect with their celestial heritage.