LET’S TURN OFF THE LIGHTS – TURN ON THE STARS
When was the last time you saw clusters of twinkling stars with the naked eye? Probably in childhood, in a secluded rugged mountainous location or on rare (almost non-existent) sea points where tourists in flip-flops have not yet made their way. If you live in cities or urban areas, stargazing is unfortunately an impossible mission due to light pollution. However, watching the stars under a clear night sky is still one of the most beautiful personal experiences, which brings us back to the source and the beginnings.
But light pollution is not only an aesthetic problem that makes us mourn the good old days, it is a global problem that is increasingly seriously disrupting the balance of people, animals and plants on our planet. Excessive artificial light disturbs our natural sleep cycle, causes insomnia, depression, hormonal disorders and significantly impairs the quality of life. It also disrupts animal cycles to the greatest extent, birds are disoriented, insects and bats suffer, and confused plants start to bloom too early. Fortunately, more and more work is being done around the world to create dark sky parks, and one such park is located in our county. It is the Vrani Kamen International Park near Daruvar, a unique location in the Republic of Croatia where the night sky can be seen in its original splendor and the sparkling aura of stars.
In addition to rich flora and fauna, the Vrani Kamen Park is a great place for astronomers and astrophotographers who can enjoy observing and photographing the starry night sky. For many years, astronomers have used this pearl of nature and the fact that it is protected from unnecessary light pollution. Observations and photography of the night sky and space objects are actively carried out in this area.
The most frequented location is Petrov vrh, nine kilometers from the center of Daruvar. All lovers of nature and astronomy can find refreshment and refuge in the mountain lodge on Petrov vrh, and if necessary, stay overnight. The location of the mountain lodge is suitable due to its close proximity to night observations sites and the availability of electricity necessary for the functioning of astronomical equipment.
Come and experience the magic of a natural sky dome scattered with thousands and thousands of stars! You have the opportunity to experience all this in complete peace and quiet, far from city lights, light pollution, city noise, and stress. Are you ready for that challenge?
