The Darkness Manifesto

Books

How much light is too much light? Satellite pictures show our planet as a brightly glowing orb. In our era of 24/7 illumination, an excess of light is a pressing problem. Just about every creature on earth, humans included, operates according to the circadian rhythm. The world's flora and fauna have evolved to operate in the natural cycle of day and night, but in 2021, light pollution has become a major issue. Swedes have always had to deal with extremes of light and dark, thanks to the short winter days and bright summer nights- but these days there are few corners of the world that don't have their own artificial "white nights." This well-researched book challenges our instinctual fear of the dark and urges us to cherish the darkness, its creatures, and its unique beauties. Ekl f ponders the beauties of the night sky, traces the errant paths of light-drunk moths and the swift dives of keen-eyed owls. He explains the echolocation of bats and shrews and shows us the bioluminescent creatures of the deepest ...