Loss of the night

Photos from space of the night side of the earth show a sea of light of enormous proportions. As artificial light is not only indispensable for necessary work at night, but also has positive connotations with values such as safety and prosperity, we illuminate our surroundings far too generously. Excessive artificial lighting causes a considerable brightening of the night sky and has a serious impact on people and nature.

A third of vertebrates and half of insects are nocturnal. The alternation of day and night is one of the most important clocks of life. As our nights are no longer truly dark, the finely tuned system of biological rhythms of humans, plants and animals is disrupted. This can lead to health problems and has a negative impact on ecological functions, as research findings in recent years have clearly shown.

The exhibition calls on people to think about a new approach to light, because the good news is that the environmental problem of light pollution can be solved if artificial light is optimised and used sensibly.

Last edited on 18.02.2025