Meet Siddharth Patel: A kid with big dreams and a brighter night sky
In a world where city lights streak across the night, one 12-year-old photographer from London, Ontario, proved that a clear night sky is still within reach. Siddharth Patel’s image of the Milky Way, captured far from the glare of urban lights, earned first place in the people’s choice category of an international dark-sky photography contest. His win isn’t just about a striking photo; it’s a story about curiosity, patience, and a commitment to preserving the night.
From curiosity to citizen science
Siddharth’s love affair with space began when he was five years old and first glimpsed a true dark sky from a dedicated dark-sky preserve. That moment sparked a curiosity that would grow into active citizen science. He didn’t stop at admiring the stars; he started participating in programs that let everyday people contribute to real scientific work. One notable achievement: he used a program called Astrometrica to help identify a preliminary asteroid after images were captured by a telescope. The discovery, which was recognized by NASA, shows how a young mind can engage with space in meaningful ways.
Photography as a doorway to the cosmos
In the contest, Siddharth used his mother’s Samsung cellphone with an astrophotography mode and a long exposure to capture the Milky Way blazing overhead, with a comet passing by in the same frame. “I saw the Milky Way blazing overhead and a comet striking past right next to it,” he told CBC Kids News. “It was a wonderful sight and I really wanted to capture it.” The winning image is titled Milky Way with Comet C/2023 A3, a moment in time when the sky’s vastness felt close enough to touch.
Why light pollution matters—and what Siddharth is doing about it
Light pollution is more than a nighttime nuisance. Artificial lights—from street lamps to decorative yard lighting—can brighten the sky and disrupt natural cycles. The problem isn’t just about stars being hidden; it affects wildlife, human health, and our sense of wonder. The science is clear: excessive night lighting can interfere with birds that migrate by night and can disrupt melatonin production, a hormone essential for sleep. In Canada and around the world, advocates like DarkSky International are working to reduce unnecessary light and restore dark skies for future generations.
A practical advocate for brighter skies
Siddharth has taken his passion beyond photography. He hosts astronomy nights in his neighborhood to share the night sky with friends and encourage practical steps to reduce light pollution, such as angling outdoor lights downward and turning off unnecessary lighting. He’s also planning a children’s storybook about light pollution, aiming to publish it independently later this year. His long-term dream is to become an astronaut, to explore the cosmos from space and to view Earth’s beauty from the ultimate dark-sky vantage point.
The bigger picture: why kids like Siddharth matter
Stories like Siddharth’s remind us that science and curiosity aren’t the exclusive realm of adults. Young people bring fresh perspectives and a sense of possibility that can spark community efforts, school projects, and local advocacy. By turning a single photograph into a message about sky preservation, Siddharth has helped illuminate a global issue in a way that’s accessible to kids and families alike.
Where to learn more and get involved
Anyone inspired by Siddharth’s story can engage with DarkSky International and local astronomy clubs to learn how to minimize light pollution in their own neighborhoods. Even small steps—turning lights down, using shielded fixtures, or hosting a stargazing night—can collectively restore spectacular night skies. If you know a kid who’s doing something cool and science-related, consider sharing their story with CBC Kids News to help spotlight the next generation of explorers.
