Ten -year anniversary of the star park in the Rhön celebrated with ceremony

Ten -year anniversary of the star park in the Rhön celebrated with ceremony

10 years Star Park Rhön - a success story for nature conservation

13.07.2024 /region -
The night of the night has been on the day in the Rhön biosphere reserve for a decade: As early as 2014, the area in the Hesse, Thuringia and Bavaria was honored as a star park. The anniversary was duly celebrated during a festive event on the radio on the Wasserkuppe.

Many places in Germany shine brightly at night: lanterns illuminate the streets, light flows out of the windows, colorful advertising enlightens the facades. But in the Rhön, darkness is still a treasure that enables people to look at the starry sky with thousands of sparkling stars. A decade ago, the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) therefore recognized parts of the biosphere reserve as a star park.

District Administrator Bernd Woide (CDU) reminded of the beginning and the motives for the endeavor for certification during the festivity in the radom dome. At that time it was considered in the biosphere reserve, which makes it so unique and special. "We realized that we have the night - a special night that is not disturbed by the artificial light."

The uniqueness is that the night is often illuminated elsewhere and carelessly handled with light, emphasized Woide, which Sabine Frank expressly praised. At that time she had set itself the goal of making the biosphere reserve a star park without light pollution - with passion and great commitment. She was able to win partners such as companies and communities for the project. The district administrator promised to focus on the protection of the night and the beauty of the starry sky. In the past, Frank repeatedly warned of light pollution in the Fulda district.

Dr. Doris Pokorny, head of the administrative office of the biosphere reserve on the Bavarian side, recalled how much persuasiveness was required among those involved. Light often makes life more pleasant, but over conurbations rays real lightdomes to far into the surrounding area. "But darkness is crucial for the protection of biodiversity." In addition, darkness saves energy and benefits from climate protection: "It means more quality of life for everyone." Pokorny emphasized the important role of the communities. Many have changed the street lighting or partially switched off at night.

Johannes Metz, managing director of Rhön GmbH, showed what value the status has as a star park. Between 50 and 60 activities are offered annually, such as astronomical tours in which a total of around 2,000 people take part. "This is accompanied by a added value, in which we are quickly with a sum between a quarter of a million and half a million euros." The commitment of the Rhön against light pollution clearly promotes tourism, he praised.

Sabine Frank, the Dr. Mathias R. Schmidt, the moderator of the evening, called "star fairy", "enthusiast" and "face of the star park". The Sternenpark officer at the Fulda district gave the impulse for the project with a study and has since given passion and persuasiveness the importance of a dark night sky.

You and her former mentor Dr. Andreas Hänel, scientific companion of the star park, gave a lecture during the celebrations and described the career of the star park and the positive effects of a dark night on the Rhön with its wildlife.

Klaus Schenk accompanied the ceremony on the vibraphone and George Wagner on the guitar. Then Sabine Frank invited to an astronomical walk at the blue hour. (sam) +++

- Nag