World-renowned photographer Art Wolfe transports readers to every continent in his newest book Night On Earth: Photography by Art Wolfe. A grand adventure of dark skies, nature, and unique wildlife and tribes, Mr. Wolfe's book reflects his artistic eye. This mesmerizing, uplifting book is the result of a lifetime of outstanding achievement and is a wonderful reminder that despite our social and climate problems there remains much beauty to appreciate, enjoy, and preserve.
As a routine night hiker (I hike often with a small group), I was drawn to Art Wolfe's book, for my love of the night life: serene quiet, occasional hoot of owls, stars glistening, moon's phases, sunsets splashing light hues upon mountains far from civilization's concerns. Problems insurmountable in daylight seem to disappear under an expansive night sky replaced by awe.
Someone recently asked, "Do you prefer hiking in the mountains under a full or crescent moon?" While each night sky has its beauty -- even hiking under last night's fog, like a thick mushroom soup -- I favor the crescent moon because the dark sky comes alive with stars, Big Dipper, Saturn, Mars, Jupiter... The nearby city lights twinkling gold, silver and red never deter my amazement at the night sky of the Santa Monica Mountains. That said, the twinkling above is profoundly different than the city lights below. Let's reduce energy use and go renewable. Appreciate the dark sky and clean fresh air.
When opening the large pages of Mr. Wolfe's photography book: Night skies burst with sparkling stars and The Milky Way. Green sea turtles hatch and paddle. Asaro mudmen hunt with bows and arrow. Owls spread wings en route to prey. Nordic aurora borealis ignite night skies with vibrant color. Sacred prayers are given by the banks of India's Ganges River. All this and more as readers discover the star trails over the Australian Outback - without leaving home.
I can't imagine the weight and size of lenses Mr. Wolfe must have used to capture night skies. And how long he sat in silence waiting for such ideal moments. And what discomfort he may have endured for us to simply open a book in our living-rooms. Amazing. The result is a portfolio of earth's most beautiful places and unique inhabitants.
Light pollution: Dark night skies must be preserved, and dirty energy sources minimized.
Mr. Wolfe's book contains an introduction by Ruskin Hartley of the International Dark-Sky Association, who shares information about destruction linked to light pollution, such as global insect decline, death of millions of migrating birds and increased carbon emissions and human disease. Scientists believe about 83% of the world lives under light pollution.
As of 2021, there are more than 170 protected International Dark Sky Places in the world. In the continental United States we have the first designated International Dark Sky Park located at Natural Bridges National Monument near Four Corners in southeastern Utah. The nearest tiny town of Blanding, Utah is 40 miles away.
About Art Wolfe
Art Wolfe is an American photographer and conservationist, best known for color images of landscapes, wildlife, and native cultures. His photographs document scenes from every continent and hundreds of locations, and have been noted by environmental advocacy groups for their "stunning" visual impact.
Photographs courtesy of Art Wolfe. Book courtesy of Earth Aware Editions.
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