As the darkest continent on Earth, Africa has the potential to offer a haven for astronomers and astrotourists who can gaze up at the night sky and revel in its celestial wonder. Namibia is one such instance which benefits from having next to none light pollution. Economics aside, there are cultural incentives too where locals can share insights drawn from their indigenous communities which have shaped them for centuries.
However, Namibia does not operate in a vacuum and nor does the wider African continent who will have to contend with mega constellations of artificial satellites. In essence, it will affect the ability to stargaze and impact astrotourism in Namibia before it has even had a chance to grow. As space is no longer the preserve of nations, private actors must also play their part to ensure they are not contributing to irreversible damage to the night sky.
Background
The night sky is a shared space where for millennia we have been able to look up in awe and use its natural light to guide us; navigationally and philosophically speaking. Inventions like the telescope also deepened our cosmic understanding beyond the limits of the naked eye.
As citizens of Earth, no matter where we reside one can catch a glimpse of the Moon. It allows us to reflect on our own existence; we are only one planet that is part of a much larger universe. In a literal sense, it brings us back down to earth as we are forced to recognise we all share it and have a duty of care. For now at least, it is home.
Our pursuit for progress has brought with it unforeseen – or – expected – consequences. It all began in 1957, with the Soviet Union and Sputnik which captured the imagination of the world as it reached Earth’s orbit. The curiosity to understand has led to more and more nations launch satellites that vary in size and purpose.
Nevertheless, what cannot be denied is that Namibia is one nation located in a continent which has contributed the least towards space activity. On light pollution alone – that is a profound thought. It draws attention to an uncomfortable reality; space has historically been a playground for nations who can leverage their wealth and technological prowess. What are the implications for Namibia? Is there an avenue on an international stage to raise their concerns?
Astropportunity awaits?
If you put it into a worldwide context, the figures on the state of our skies are truly eye-opening. For example, a third of the global population cannot see the Milky Way. Facts alone struggle which is why the light pollution map is a powerful tool. It captures the artificial night sky brightness research and does it visual justice to drive home the message.
In the case of Namibia, it was only in 2012 when the International Dark-Sky Association granted the NamibRand Nature Reserve official dark reserve status. In doing so, it acknowledges this corner of the country as having some of the darkest skies on Earth.
Needless to say, it has expanded the scope of the private nature reserve to encompass the starry skies as well as its mandate to protect and conserve the unique ecology and wildlife. In effect, the Dark Sky Reserve provides an opportunity to harness Namibia’s cultural heritage and boost its scientific educational outreach with locals and overseas enthusiasts.
In addition, the designation acts as an allure for an international audience who will be rewarded with sights like no other should they embark on an adventure to the depths of the southwest Namib desert. It also raises the profile of preservation and light pollution which could thwart the multidimensional benefits. To put it simply, the activities of states and commercial entities have never been more in the spotlight.
States and magnates
At present, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) would be the first point of call for matters that pertain to space activity. The intergovernmental Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) is one such fora which was originally established ad hoc in 1958 after the launch of the first satellite until its transition into a permanent body a year later.
Furthermore, the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 also arose out of a Cold War context. As we fast forward to date, the increased role of non-state actors in space must be taken into account. Above all, it raises questions about peaceful co-existence and to ensure both parties are fully aware of the need to mitigate their impact.
In October 2020, organised by UNOOSA with Spain and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) was the Dark and Quiet Skies for Science and Society online workshop. It is a timely reminder that scientific and societal concerns are on the international radar where ongoing discussion will seek to resolve the negative impacts.
Currently, a national space policy does not exist in Namibia which will likely change in the near term. It will also be worth keeping an eye on continent-wide developments given legislation passed by the African Union in 2017 to establish an African Space Agency. In short, it may signal a shift towards pan-African coordination although momentum has stalled in recent years that cannot be laid squarely at the pandemic.
Starry-eyed futurism vs. terrestrial realism
As it stands, we are moving into uncharted territory as private actors enter the spatial foray in amongst states. In equal measure, it brings with it opportunity and risks. Namibia is no exception whose starry-eyed futurism has set it on a collision course with terrestrial realism. In a nutshell, it puts its dark sky prospects in jeopardy due to the actions of external actors.
Thus, now more than ever: civil society, scientists and the public at large must continue to shine a light on this issue which should be a concern for all of humanity. If not, Namibia stands to lose a key asset – its dark skies – and even more so – its cultural heritage. It is imperative that astropportunity will not soon give way to astromalaise.