We no longer waste water, so why do we waste so much light?
This is an issue addressed by Northern Beaches resident Marnie Ogg (main image), who has been named Dark Sky Defender by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) for her work promoting the importance of the dark sky.
In this episode of The Avalon Story, our self-produced Dark Sky Defender talks to Northern Beaches Radio presenter Wendy Frew about her astrological travel company that organizes trips to some of the world’s most famous dark skies, such as the desert of ‘Attack Chile.
Sometimes star gazing is ruined by bad weather. At other times, the stars are haunted by light pollution.
“I look at the sky in my backyard [in Sydney] where I didn’t have to make any effort, I thought, “This has to be shared, this is a valuable asset,” Ms. Ogg said.
Since then, Marnie Ogg has been working hard to protect Australia’s dark skies, including Barrenjoey Headland.
“We are illuminating our world with all kinds of illumination. We are not only darkening our vision of the stars, but we are altering almost all life on earth. The urban and industrial lighting of the world is so bright that much of it is likely to be seen from the moon, ”Ms Ogg said.
Listen to the full interview below with Marnie Ogg as she shares carefree childhood memories of growing up in Avalon, an extensive travel career and the surprise and wonder of a starry night.