Santiago: Astrophysicist and documentary photographer Jordi Busqué has embarked on a mission to capture the last places on Earth where one can witness a truly dark, starry night. His collection of 11 photographs offers a breathtaking glimpse into the world’s remaining dark-sky sanctuaries, revealing the majesty of the night sky as it once was before the advent of widespread light pollution.

According to BBC, before the 19th century, the Milky Way was as familiar a sight as the Moon. However, with the introduction of gas lighting in cities like Paris and the subsequent spread of artificial light, many people today rarely have the opportunity to admire a star-filled sky. Busqué’s fascination with astronomy began in his childhood during summers spent in the small village of Peñarroyas, Spain, where the night skies were so densely populated with stars that it was challenging to discern the main constellations.

Busqué’s journey takes him to locations like the Atacama Desert in Chile, known for its cloudless nights and stunning views of the Milky Way, and the salt deserts of Bolivia, where the zodiacal light can be seen. His work emphasizes the importance of preserving these dark-sky sites, as light pollution not only affects astronomers but also disrupts wildlife, such as baby sea turtles that rely on the natural glow of the stars to navigate.

In places like the Sahara Desert and the Pyrenees, Busqué captures the beauty and mystery of the night sky, using photographs to convey the sense of eternity one feels when gazing at the stars. His images challenge viewers to reconsider their relationship with the night sky and the importance of protecting these remaining sanctuaries from the encroachment of artificial light.

Busqué’s work is more than a collection of stunning images; it is a call to action to preserve our planet’s natural beauty. By sharing these photographs, he hopes to inspire others to appreciate the wonder of the night sky and to advocate for measures that reduce light pollution, allowing future generations to experience the awe of a truly starry night.