Darkened Rhone Towns Embrace Starry Nights, Owing to Shut-off of Artificial Night Lights
The picturesque Rhön region in Germany is gearing up for the fifth annual "Lights out, stars on!" event, a community-driven initiative aimed at reducing light pollution and preserving the region's natural darkness. This year's event, known as the Rhön Dark Sky Park Weeks, will take place from July 25 to August 17, 2025.
The event is a collaborative effort between Rhön GmbH and administrative bodies of the Rhön UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The municipality of Petersberg, for instance, will be lighting the town hall and Liobakirche for the occasion, while Großenlüder will illuminate architecturally significant buildings. The town of Fulda, on the other hand, has included Orangerie, Frauenberg, Dom St. Salvator, Stadtpfarrkirche, and Schlosskrone in its participation.
In addition to these towns, various municipalities in Bavaria, Hesse, and Thuringia are taking part in the event. In Bavaria, Bad Brückenau, Bad Kissingen, Bischofsheim an der Rhön, and Fladungen are among the participating towns. In Hesse, Gersfeld (Rhön) and Schwalmtal have signed up, while Oberweid and Kaltennordheim in Thuringia will also be participating.
The central action day for the event in 2025 is on Saturday, August 9, coinciding with a full moon. Some communities will turn off public lighting for the entire weekend, providing an opportunity for stargazers to enjoy the night sky unobstructed. With good weather, the Perseid meteor shower might be visible during the event.
The Rhön UNESCO Biosphere Reserve was recognised as an International Dark Sky Park by the IDA in 2014 and was named the "Dark Sky Park of the Year" worldwide in 2022. The goal of the event is to raise awareness about light pollution and its impact on the environment and wildlife, as well as to promote the preservation of natural darkness.
During the Rhön Dark Sky Park Weeks, special events, educational programs, and culinary delights are offered to make the experience enjoyable and informative for both locals and visitors. The event is a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the night sky and to contribute to the protection of the climate and biodiversity in the Rhön region.
Dr. Doris Pokorny, who represents the three administrative bodies in Bavaria, Hesse, and Thuringia, emphasises the importance of the event: "The 'Lights out, stars on!' event is not just about turning off lights; it's about raising awareness and fostering a sense of community in our efforts to protect the environment and preserve the natural beauty of the Rhön region."
The Rhön Dark Sky Park Weeks is a testament to the commitment of the local communities and administrative bodies to environmental conservation and dark sky preservation. By participating in this event, individuals can play a part in protecting the region's unique ecosystem and promoting sustainable tourism focused on dark sky experiences.
- The Rhön Dark Sky Park Weeks, an annual event focused on reducing light pollution, encourages participation from various municipalities, including Bavaria's Bad Brückenau, Hesse's Gersfeld (Rhön), and Thuringia's Oberweid.
- Science and environmental-science enthusiasts attending the event may have the opportunity to observe the Perseid meteor shower, weather permitting, illustrating the importance of preserving natural darkness for stargazing activities.
- The combination of special events, educational programs, and local cuisine during the Rhön Dark Sky Park Weeks underscores a lifestyle that appreciates and protects the environment, promoting sustainable tourism focusing on dark sky experiences at home and in the garden.
