The night brought us together again: this was the third edition of the Glowatch Walks

In thirteen locations across the country, citizens gathered to report sources of light pollution through an app. The activity aims to raise awareness about the effects of inefficient artificial lighting use and promote the care of the night skies.

On the occasion of International Light Day, last Friday, May 16th, the third edition of the Glowatch Walks took place, a citizen initiative that brings together people from different regions of the country to identify and report sources of light pollution. Organized by Fundación Cielos de Chile, in partnership with Fundación Ciluz and the Center for Astrophysics and Related Technologies (CATA), this event added 72 new reports to the Glowatch platform.

Participants walked through streets of Copiapó, Coquimbo, Andacollo, Temuco, and Santiago in search of misdirected lights, dazzle, use of cold lights, intrusive lighting, and other cases of improper light use. Each report contributed to raising awareness about responsible artificial light use and highlighting a problem that affects both biodiversity and human health.

Sky protection combined with art

In Santiago, this edition of the Glowatch Walks incorporated an artistic dimension thanks to collaboration with OH! Stgo and ARTLUM, creating a journey that combined art and citizen science. Participants visited illuminated installations of the Light Art Festival and explored the role of light in urban space and its impact.

Additionally, during the activity, Daniela González, Executive Director of Fundación Cielos de Chile, invited attendees to take a mindful walk through the area to observe contaminating light sources attentively. “Whenever we talk about light pollution, we talk about inefficiency. Our call is to use light beautifully, care for our heritage, and protect the dark skies,” she emphasized.

What is Glowatch?

Glowatch is a citizen science tool that allows easy recording of light pollution sources using WhatsApp as a reporting channel. Observations can be made anytime during the year without waiting for another walk. You just need to visit the Glowatch website and click on the WhatsApp icon to start reporting.

Furthermore, the platform features a public, georeferenced, and continuously updated database that displays over 380 reports made from different points across the country.