Meet Siddharth Patel: A Kidmaker of Night-Sky Change
When most city dwellers look up, the Milky Way isn’t something they expect to see. But for 12-year-old Siddharth Patel, the night sky became a canvas for discovery—and a platform for advocacy. A student from London, Ontario, Siddharth captured a moment of astronomical wonder that earned first place in the people’s choice category of a 2025 photo contest hosted by DarkSky International, a global organization dedicated to reducing light pollution and protecting dark skies for future generations.
His winning photo, Milky Way with Comet C/2023 A3, was shot far from bright city lights in Fingal, a rural township about 40 kilometres south of his hometown. “I saw the Milky Way blazing overhead and a comet streaking by,” Siddharth told CBC Kids News. “It was a wonderful sight and I really wanted to capture it.” Using his mother’s Samsung cellphone and a feature called astrophotography mode, he achieved a long exposure that revealed the Milky Way’s vivid detail and the comet’s tail. This image didn’t just win a prize—it highlighted a simple truth: dark skies are worth protecting.
Why Light Pollution Is a Big Deal
Light pollution isn’t just a nighttime nuisance. It can disrupt human sleep cycles, harm wildlife, and erode our connection with the cosmos. A science-backed concern, light pollution is increasing globally as urban lighting intensifies. The issue matters because migratory birds rely on natural darkness to navigate, and too much artificial light can lead to dangerous disorientation. Environment and Climate Change Canada notes that up to 42 million migratory birds are killed annually due to collisions with human-made structures, a tragedy worsened by bright night skies. Moreover, the body’s 24-hour cycle depends on darkness to trigger melatonin production, which regulates sleep. Siddharth’s work helps bring these concerns into classrooms and living rooms alike.
A Kid’s Path to Citizen Science
Siddharth didn’t just snap photos; he dove into citizen science, a practice that enables everyday people to contribute to real research. In 2018, at age five, he first experienced a truly dark sky at a preserve and vowed to protect it. He later used software called Astrometrica to comb through telescope images for moving objects, discovering a preliminary asteroid that NASA has recognized. With four telescopes at his disposal, he participates in projects that combine curiosity with data-driven discovery, turning a hobby into actionable science.
Dark-Sky Advocacy, One Night at a Time
Beyond competitions, Siddharth has become a dedicated dark-sky advocate. He hosts astronomy nights in his neighbourhood to observe celestial objects and discusses light pollution with peers at school, encouraging practical steps—like turning off lights and directing outdoor lighting downward. He believes anyone can help preserve dark skies, and his message resonates: light pollution affects everyone, not just astronomers. The advocacy work aligns with DarkSky International’s mission to protect night skies worldwide.
Looking ahead, Siddharth hopes to publish a children’s storybook about light pollution, aiming to publish independently later this year. His long-term dream is to become an astronaut so he can explore space from orbit. “It’ll be really dark there, and the view will be incredible, and I’ll be able to see the beautiful Earth as it truly is,” he says.
Why Siddharth’s Story Matters
Profiles like Siddharth’s showcase how curiosity, intersecting with science and community action, can create real change—even for someone as young as 12. His Milky Way photo isn’t just a pretty image; it’s a reminder that protecting dark skies requires a collective effort—from students and families to policymakers and global organizations. By sharing his journey, Siddharth makes the cosmos feel accessible and urgent, inviting other young aspiring scientists to pick up a camera, point toward the night, and join the fight for a clearer, darker sky.
