When was the last time you had a clear good view of the milkyway in all its sky filling beauty?

You don't remember? Or worse, you can't even see most of the stars above us because of all the light around you even in the middle of the night?

I grew up in a relatively small town at the edge of the Alps and so it was nothing special to me to watch the milkyway, the small meteors and the constellations on a clear night while walking home from bars. As I lately moved into a bigger town, Graz, i noticed the bright dome of light it emits into the sky every night and which is visible from far away.

This light, emitted by the lanterns, the illuminated advertising panels, and through the windows of our homes, outshines the weak but fascinating spectacle above out heads: the night sky.

Earth Hour strives to bring back this beauty to all of us, even if it's only for a short time, by turning off our lights for just a brief moment. Their call goes out to each and every person by himself but even whole cities are asked to join in and dim down their lights for the given date and time. Read what they have to say on their website and I would be glad if you'd come to join them on 8:30PM Saturday 28 March 2009 by turning off your lights for one hour.

If you can, use this hour to grab a binocular or telescope (and for some special moments, your loved one or your friends) and go outside and watch the stars. Hope you enjoy it as much as I will

Time till Earth Hour begins: