The future of Dark Skies in Australia, by Marnie Ogg, 6:30pm Monday 6th July

Around the world, artificial light at night is being redefined. No longer seen as harmless progress, it is now recognised as an environmental pressure, a scientific threat, and a public health concern. Governments are adopting light pollution guidelines, observatories are strengthening protection measures, and research continues to reveal links between excessive night lighting, biodiversity loss and disrupted human sleep. Australia is at a turning point.

Across the country, change is already underway. Dark Sky Places are being established. Councils are upgrading to wildlife-sensitive lighting. Tourism operators are valuing the night as a premium natural asset. Advocacy efforts — including parliamentary engagement — are pushing toward stronger national coordination. What was once a niche issue is becoming a national conversation.

In this keynote, Marnie Ogg, founder of the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance, and Dark Sky Traveller outlines what is happening now — and what must happen next. She will explore how astronomers and astronomy organisations can help lead: protecting observatory skies, informing lighting standards, strengthening outreach, and elevating the night as critical infrastructure for science, culture and well-being. This is not simply about saving starry skies. It is about safeguarding and restoring darkness as a shared national asset.

Marnie Ogg

Marnie Ogg is the founder of the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance and a leading advocate for the protection of dark night skies in Australia. She works at the intersection of astronomy, environmental stewardship and community engagement, advancing policy, outreach and tourism initiatives that recognise darkness as a valuable natural asset.

Through national advocacy, public speaking and collaboration with councils, scientists and tourism operators, Marnie is helping to position Australia as a future leader in dark sky conservation.

You can view Marnie’s website here. 

This is an in-person event at Sydney Observatory, starting at 6:30pm. After the talk we will view through Observatory telescopes. The meeting finishes at 8pm.

Address: 1003 Upper Fort Street, Millers Point, The Rocks.

Details: This presentation will be in person at Sydney Observatory and also by Zoom. Members are encouraged to attend on-site. All members will also be emailed the Zoom link. If you are not a member and want to attend this talk please email our secretary on: cityskywatchers@gmail.com.

Text by Marnie Ogg

Please arrive at Sydney Observatory by 6:20pm or log-in by 6:25pm.