Adapting to principles of responsible lighting

For astronomy enthusiasts, modern advancements in technology offer incredible tools for observing the cosmos. Telescopes today are more powerful and affordable than ever, thanks to innovations in optics and digital imaging. However, this golden age of technology comes with a catch: the skies are vanishing under a growing blanket of artificial light. Light pollution has become a formidable barrier for stargazers, limiting access to clear, dark skies. Stargazing at O Castro Art Village can be a a model for a better future in this discipline.

The Growing Challenge of Light Pollution

What today’s stargazers lack isn’t technology—it’s unpolluted skies. Imagine teleporting an ancient Greek astronomer to the present. They’d be amazed by our tools yet devastated by the night skies in urban and suburban areas. Artificial lighting has erased much of the grandeur of the stars.

According to Antonia M. Varela Pérez, director of the Starlight Foundation, 83% of the world’s population lives under light-polluted skies. Moreover, 23% of Earth’s surface between 75ºN and 60ºS is already contaminated by artificial lighting, with light pollution growing by 2% annually.

Adding to the problem is the exponential growth of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). In 2019, the first batch of 60 satellites launched by a private company surprised astronomers with their unexpected brightness. With plans to deploy up to 400,000 satellites by 2030, thousands of them could be visible simultaneously, disrupting astronomical observations. Wide-field telescopes may lose 30% of their exposures in the early night hours and nearly 50% of twilight observations, a significant blow to professional and amateur astronomy alike.

Sustainable Astrotourism: A Path Forward

Addressing light pollution requires coordinated global action. As Varela Pérez emphasizes, “It is urgent to establish a worldwide treaty in defense of the sky.” Raising public awareness about the impacts of light pollution and promoting astrotourism are vital steps in reclaiming the night skies. Astrotourism not only educates people about the importance of astronomy but also contributes to the socioeconomic growth of rural communities.

O Castro Art Village: A Beacon for Stargazers

At O Castro Art Village, we’ve embraced the opportunity to protect and celebrate the night sky. Located in the Ribeira Sacra region of Spain, an area with minimal light pollution, our village is uniquely positioned to offer a pristine stargazing experience.

Once an abandoned village, O Castro has been revitalized as a hub for creativity, wellness, and sustainability. Our approach is holistic, prioritizing the well-being of both people and the environment. By maintaining a strong connection between Earth and the cosmos, we aim to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Preserving Darkness: A Core Principle

O Castro Art Village adheres to the responsible lighting principles established by DarkSky International:

• Use light only where and when it is needed.
• Direct light precisely to minimize spill.
• Limit brightness to the minimum necessary.
• Favor warm-colored lighting to reduce skyglow.
• Avoid excessive illumination altogether.

Our ability to control lighting in the village ensures nearly total darkness, creating an ideal environment for observing the stars.

Astrotourism at O Castro

We’ve opened our doors to astrotourists, amateur stargazers, and professional astronomers alike. Guests can stay in geodesic domes nestled on a forested hilltop, each designed to comfortably host up to four people. These domes include modern amenities such as showers, full bathrooms, sustainable hot water systems, and climate control. A few steps outside, guests find perfect spots to set up their telescopes or cameras.

Additionally, our hilltop activity hall, featuring panoramic windows, serves as a venue for astronomy lectures, workshops, and night sky education sessions.

But the experience doesn’t end with stargazing. At O Castro Art Village, we offer a wide array of programs to complement our guests’ cosmic journeys. These include expressive arts and wellness classes, yoga and meditation sessions, forest retreats, digital detox programs, hiking, photography workshops, and even viticulture and wine-tasting events.

A Holistic Vision

For us, preserving the night sky isn’t just an environmental effort—it’s a pathway to human wellness. By protecting the cosmos, we foster a deeper connection between people and the natural world. At O Castro Art Village, we believe that caring for the environment and embracing sustainable living ultimately enhances the well-being of all.

Our commitment to astrotourism and sustainability offers visitors not only a chance to reconnect with the heavens but also an opportunity to find peace and inspiration on Earth. O Castro Art Village invites you to join us in celebrating the stars and protecting the beauty of our night skies for generations to come.