Natural darkness is becoming increasingly difficult to find, especially in urban environments. In Catalonia, most of the population lives in cities or medium-sized towns, and a very significant share is concentrated in the Barcelona metropolitan area. If we look at night-time images captured by satellites, it becomes clear that there are parts of the territory that almost never become completely dark. Where darkness disappears, one of the simplest and most fascinating experiences we can have also fades away: contemplating a sky full of stars. Dark skies, a natural heritage of great value For years, artificial light has been associated with progress, safety and constant activity. But today we know that excessive lighting also has consequences. Light pollution makes it difficult to observe the night sky, alters the natural rhythms of many species and affects biodiversity. It also has an impact on human health and on our relationship with natural cycles. That is why talking about dark skies is not only talking about astronomy. It means talking about landscape, ecological balance and quality of life. Natural darkness is part of a territory’s heritage, just like forests, mountains, biodiversity or cultural memory. Recovering it means, in a way, recovering a calmer and more conscious way of looking at the world. Catalonia preserves places where the night is still authentic Despite urban pressure and the increase in artificial light, Catalonia still has large areas where the night preserves much of its authenticity. In the Pyrenees and the Pre-Pyrenees, in the inland and pre-coastal mountain ranges, and even in some parts of the coast, there are still places where the sky appears with surprising clarity. These are ideal spaces for observing constellations, identifying planets or simply letting yourself be carried away by the immensity of the Milky Way. In fact, there is a very simple way to know whether a place is truly good for observing the firmament: if, after a few minutes of adapting to the darkness, you can clearly see the Milky Way, you are probably in an area of high night-sky quality. This possibility, once commonplace, has now become a small privilege. Perhaps that is why looking at the sky has become such a valuable experience. It requires no rush and no major equipment. Just time, silence and the desire to reconnect with what is essential.