Guardian of the Night: One Astronomer’s Quest to Preserve New Zealand’s Dark Skies
Guardian of the Night: One Astronomer’s Quest to Preserve New Zealand’s Dark Skies
The celestial beauty of the night sky has always captivated astronomer Nalayini Davies. Her passion for preserving the dark skies of New Zealand, or Aotearoa, from light pollution is a journey that began with her grandfather’s influence and has since become a lifelong mission.
The Spark of a Lifelong Passion
Nalayini’s fascination with the night sky was ignited in her childhood in Sri Lanka. “He was a science teacher, and I have clear memories of getting up very early one morning, around 5 am, to look at a very bright, naked-eye comet that was in the night sky, and also the total solar eclipse,” she recalls. These early experiences instilled in her a deep appreciation for the beauty and mystery of the universe.
From Finance to the Final Frontier
Despite a successful career in finance, including studies at the London Business School and launching an international economic development consultancy, Nalayini’s love for astronomy never waned. She continued to gaze at the stars, a habit that eventually led her to pursue a master’s degree in astronomy part-time.
The Impact of Light Pollution
During her studies, Nalayini encountered a paper titled “The New World Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness.” The statistics were alarming: more than a third of humanity could not see the Milky Way due to light pollution. This realization spurred her into action. From her holiday home on Waiheke Island, where she has spent time for over three decades, Nalayini could still see the Milky Way in all its glory. She decided to measure the darkness of Waiheke’s night sky and found it dark enough to be accredited by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).
The Fight Against Light Pollution
Light pollution is a significant issue that disrupts the natural order of life on Earth. Artificial lights, particularly those emitting blue wavelengths like LEDs and smartphones, interfere with the circadian rhythms of humans and animals alike. The American Medical Association reports that bright residential night-time lighting can suppress melatonin, leading to various health issues.
Nalayini emphasizes the importance of using artificial light smartly. She suggests installing timers, using lights only when necessary, and opting for bulbs with a warmer, orange glow. Her efforts on Waiheke Island have led to the formation of Dark Sky Waiheke Island, an initiative aimed at engaging with the community to reduce light pollution.
Community Engagement and Education
Nalayini’s work involves educating the local community about the importance of preserving the night sky. Dark Sky Waiheke Island collaborates with local families, schools, and Scouts to spread awareness. “It’s all about knowing,” she says. “The more you know, the better you can protect.”
Through exhibitions, movie screenings, and her column in the Waiheke Weekender, Nalayini reaches out to art lovers and moviegoers, capturing their imaginations and spreading the message of dark sky preservation. Her contributions to “The Spirit of Waiheke,” a community book, further amplify her efforts.
A Vision for a Dark-Sky Nation
Nalayini’s vision extends beyond Waiheke Island. She dreams of New Zealand becoming the first “dark-sky nation.” “Every part of New Zealand is accessible. Anybody who’s prepared to drive 30 minutes can see really dark skies,” she explains. Her work with Dark Sky New Zealand has already helped Aotea/Great Barrier Island and Rakiura/Stewart Island become recognized as dark-sky sanctuaries.
Her husband, Gareth, shares her enthusiasm, and together they volunteer to protect the night skies. “It’s been an unexpected but really rewarding experience,” she says. “We do this as a contribution to the community.”
The Night Sky: A Constant Through History
For Nalayini, the dark sky is a connection to the past and a legacy for future generations. “The night sky has remained the one constant throughout history, across the whole world and across generations,” she says. “If you look at it that way, it’s pretty special.”
In protecting our night skies, we can continue to look up and appreciate our place in the universe, just as Nalayini did with her grandfather and hopes to do with generations to come.
Photography by: Alamy & Getty
For more information, visit The Spirit of Waiheke.
