Geneva to embrace blackout night to highlight light pollution
Municipalities in the greater Geneva area will turn off public lighting on Thursday evening to raise public awareness of the harmful effects of light pollution.
This content was published on
1 minute
SDA-Keystone/ac
A total of 149 out 209 municipalities in the greater Geneva region – that includes parts of France and the Swiss cantons of Geneva and Vaud – have decided to support the “It’s a beautiful nightExternal link” initiative on September 26. Other partners behind the initiative include the Geneva Museum of Natural History, the Geneva Astronomical Society and the Maison du Salève in Présilly, France.
“After water pollution in the 1960s and air pollution in the 2000s, it is now time to become aware of the effects of light pollution,” said Pascal Moeschler, curator of the Geneva Museum of Natural History, quoted in a statement.
The consequences of light pollution include disruption of the biological rhythms of fauna and flora, degradation of natural habitats, risks to human health and unnecessary energy consumption. September 26 was chosen on purpose as the visibility of the Milky Way should be optimum at sunset.
Organisers of the event hope that locals will leave the house and look at the night sky. Some municipalities will also offer specific activities, such as astronomical observations, conferences, exhibitions or concerts. More than 50 amateur astronomers have also planned to set up at 30 sites, where they will make their equipment available and share their knowledge with the public.
More
More
Enchanting tourists with lights
This content was published on
Light shows are proving to be popular – a winter tourist attraction in their own right.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
This content was published on
Swiss researchers have found out that artificial light can significantly reduce visits by nocturnal insects that help pollinate certain plants.
This content was published on
These striking images of light pollution reflect a form of environmental damage that has serious consequences for humans and wildlife.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.