Dark sky educational outreach through art and collaboration

Contemporary assessments reveal the widespread repercussions of light pollution, impacting 99% of the population in the United States and Europe (Falchi et al., 2016). In Pakistan, a study employing satellite remote sensing and GIS techniques exposed the challenges posed by artificial light sources, impeding the nation’s potential to establish Dark Sky Places (Butt, 2012). Over the seven-year period from 2012 to 2019, the city of Lahore witnessed a nearly 25% escalation in light pollution, affecting more than 50% of the city, emphasising the importance of government and public initiatives for mitigation (Nisar et al., 2022). This article asserts the critical need for effective measures to mitigate light pollution, positioning Pakistan as a distinguished destination for Dark Sky Places. Regrettably, a deficiency in awareness exacerbates light pollution in the region (Stare, 2022). Urgent and robust awareness initiatives are imperative to underscore the value of preserving natural darkness. This interdisciplinary examination delves into methodologies fostering public awareness of dark sky protection, emphasising their substantial impact on conveying the severity of light pollution, engaging diverse audiences, and garnering support for policies safeguarding the dark sky (e.g., Sleigh & Craske, 2017).