
- Series: Sophia Centre Master Monograph
- ISBN-13: 978-1907767425
- Paperback: 210 pages
- Product Dimensions: 12.7 x 1.4 x 20.3 cm
Description
Studies of the beneficial and transformative qualities of encounters with nature typically focus on ‘green’ or grounded nature. In Sark in the Dark, Ada Blair shifts this focus upwards to a refreshing encounter with the richness of the dark night sky. In this book, she documents the research she conducted while at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David into the culture and history of the world’s first designated Dark Sky Island. Through a series of interviews with Sark residents, as well as poignant self-reflections, Blair explores the importance of the dark sky on human wellbeing and community.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Sark the Island and its Dark Sky
The Nature of Islandness
The Journey to Becoming a Dark Sky Community
The Birth of the Sark Astronomy Society (SAstroS)
Shining the Light: Focusing the Research
Chapter 2
Scanning the Skies: Identifying Themes
The Human Desire to See the Night Sky
Commercialisation: Astronomical Tourism
Heritage and Nostalgia Tourism
Fear of the Dark
The ‘Nature’ of Nature
Nature and Wellbeing
Chapter 3
Sharpening the Focus: Setting up My Research
Research Strategy
Gathering the Data
Chapter 4
Bifocal Vision: My Results and Discussion
Meaning and Significance
The Human Desire to Connect with the Sky
Community: Observing the Sky with Others as a Means of Building and Maintaining Family/Community Connection
Feelings Through Observing the Night Sky
Nostalgia: Childhood Memories of the Night Sky
Fear and Fearlessness of the Dark
The Dark Sky Movement and Astronomical Tourism
Skyscape and Landscape
Conclusions
Chapter 5
Images Emerge: Present and Future Perspectives
Reflections
Possible Areas for Future Research
Final Thoughts
Appendix
Bibliography
Index