An Artist Asks: Without Darkness, Who Are We?
The New York Times • • science
Key Points:
- Migratory birds, moths, and dung beetles navigate using celestial cues like stars, the moon, and the Milky Way, highlighting the importance of natural darkness for various species.
- Many species have evolved to rely on the natural cycle of day and night for essential behaviors such as hunting, foraging, and mating.
- The advent of artificial light since the Industrial Revolution has disrupted these natural rhythms, impacting wildlife and ecosystems.
- Artist Jan Tichy’s exhibition “Darkness” at Michigan State University’s Broad Art Museum explores the consequences of artificial light on natural darkness.
- Tichy collaborated with university scientists from diverse fields, whose insights influenced his art and inspired new scientific studies on the effects of light pollution.
