Reflecting on Under One Sky 2024: A global gathering to protect the night

Under One Sky 2024 was our largest and most impactful global conference to date! Nearly 1,000 individuals from 53 countries registered for the event, showcasing the remarkable growth and strength of the global effort to protect the night.

This year’s inspiring lineup of speakers and workshops equipped participants with valuable tools, fresh insights, and meaningful connections to advance our shared mission. The diversity of topics highlighted just how vital the night is to life on Earth. From wildlife ecologists discussing the impact of light pollution on marine environments to tourism experts in the Middle East emphasizing the economic importance of dark skies, the conference underscored a universal truth: we rely on the night, and now more than ever, the night relies on us. 

As DarkSky advocate Maria Kamal expressed: “The conference was an amazing opportunity to learn from experts, share insights, and collaborate on innovative solutions. It’s truly heartening to see so many dedicated individuals working together to protect our night skies.”

If you missed the conference or want to revisit a favorite session, we’ve got you covered! All sessions were recorded and are now available on our DarkSky YouTube channel. Keep reading for highlights and links to some of our team’s favorite moments!

Opening remarks by DarkSky Board President Tom Reinert

Tom Reinert began the conference with a message of hope and determination. Drawing from his many years of service to the dark sky movement, he emphasized the importance of reframing the conversation. Instead of focusing solely on fighting light pollution—an often abstract and misunderstood issue—Tom urged us to focus on solutions. Promoting smart and sensible lighting should be at the forefront, allowing us to clearly communicate what we stand for, not just what we stand against.

Global Opening and Keynote
Timestamp: 00:06:10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOjQJrXNODc

Opening keynote by Leigh Ann Henion

New York Times bestselling author Leigh Ann Henion captivated attendees with her keynote based on her latest book, Night Magic. Chronicling her journey through the wonders of the night, she shared stories of glowing fireflies, moonlit gardens, and synchronous salamanders. Leigh Ann’s address celebrated the enchantment of the nighttime world and underscored the urgent need to protect it.

Global Opening and Keynote
Timestamp: 00:31:00
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOjQJrXNODc

Inspiring regional stories

Designed with a 24-hour format, the conference celebrated the global nature of our movement, featuring stories from our chapters, advocates, and communities worldwide. Speakers shared a wide range of successes, from promoting astrotourism to ecological conservation.

Here are a couple of regional stories you do not want to miss!

Isa Mohammed – Trinidad and Tobago

Isa shared the incredible story of a grassroots movement to protect hundreds of leatherback turtles—some reaching 10 feet in length and weighing up to 2,000 pounds. These majestic creatures were losing their nesting habitats to light pollution, but thanks to community-driven efforts, the tide turned. Organizers worked tirelessly to reclaim the turtles’ natural environment by preserving the night sky. Their success included partnerships to replace streetlights with dark-sky-friendly fixtures, proving that collective efforts can make a significant impact.

As Isa noted: “Strategic alliances between dark sky groups and people working on the ground could chart a course that overrides all of the impediments to dark sky preservation.”

Regional Stories and Experts: South, Central, and North America
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXuTv1Yf6Hs

Joyful Elma Mdhluli – South Africa

Joyful shared her inspiring work with the International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development, where she leads the flagship project “Astronomy for Mental Health.” This initiative explores how astronomy and dark skies can support mental well-being. By connecting people to the cosmos, her team is uncovering new ways to inspire hope and improve mental health through the beauty of the night sky.

These stories remind us that protecting the night isn’t just about the stars—it’s about fostering community, preserving biodiversity, and enhancing human well-being worldwide.

Regional Stories and Experts: Europe, Middle East, Africa & India
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2ZVR3abvmw

Workshops that provided new tools

Engagement workshops offered practical insights on topics such as ecology, safety, astrotourism, and policy. A standout moment was the official launch of DarkSky’s policy templates during the policy workshop. These free templates, developed in collaboration with industry experts, lighting designers, and environmental scientists, are based on our Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting at Night. They are ready for cities and states worldwide to adapt and implement!

DarkSky Policy Engagement Workshop
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ygqr79tKP8w

The DarkSky Awards ceremony

Each year, DarkSky International honors the outstanding contributions of individuals, groups, and communities dedicated to preserving our planet’s nighttime environment. Their passion and commitment are truly inspiring! Watch this year’s awards ceremony to celebrate their achievements and hear an inspiring message from Richard Green, the recipient of the 2024 Crawford/Hunter Lifetime Achievement Award.

DarkSky Awards Ceremony
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghBshJ-cofw

Closing keynote

The conference concluded with an unforgettable closing keynote by Travis Novitsky, a proud citizen of the Grand Portage Anishinaabe Nation and a lifelong resident of Minnesota’s North Shore. With over 30 years of experience as a self-taught nature and wildlife photographer, Travis specializes in capturing breathtaking images of the night sky, including star-filled vistas and the Aurora Borealis.

Sharing his stunning photography, cultural insights, and personal stories, Travis inspired us all to embrace the beauty of the night, spend more time under the stars, and become advocates for its protection.

Closing Keynote and Sendoff
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBTiktOJU_Y

Thank you & save the date!

Thank you to everyone who made Under One Sky 2024 a success! Whether you attended live or plan to catch up on the recordings, we’re grateful for your dedication to protecting the night. Together, we are making a difference.

We hope you join us next year for this one-of-a-kind event! Mark your calendars now and join us as we reconvene in the name of the night!
(Nov 7-8, 2025)

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