After a decade of battling smog, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region is experiencing a remarkable transformation. Improved air quality has opened up new opportunities for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts, rejuvenating the passion of many like Yang Jing.
Yang Jing, a dedicated astrophotographer from Tianjin, shares her journey of over ten years capturing the night sky. \"Every time I look up, I still feel excited,\" she says. Her love for stargazing began a decade ago, driven by a deep interest in astronomy and a desire to document celestial phenomena.
Ten years ago, the region's air was so polluted that stargazers like Yang had to venture far from the city to find clear skies. The average concentration of PM2.5 in 2013 reached a staggering 106 micrograms per cubic meter, making Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei one of the most polluted areas in China.
However, since 2014, coordinated efforts across Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei have significantly improved the air quality. By 2022, the PM2.5 levels had dropped to 37 micrograms per cubic meter, allowing residents to enjoy clearer nights in their own region. \"The number of nights I can see the stars has increased dramatically,\" Yang notes.
Yang's enhanced ability to observe the night sky is evident in her prolific photography. In 2022 alone, she captured over 100 celestial events, thanks to the improved atmospheric transparency. \"We can now see and photograph amazing phenomena more frequently,\" she adds.
The environmental revival isn't limited to the skies. Yang has also noticed greener mountains and clearer waters in the region. Inspired by these changes, she is expanding her focus to include deep-sky objects like nebulae and galaxies, aiming to share the beauty of the universe with a broader audience.
Yang Jing's story is a testament to how environmental policies can have far-reaching benefits, from preserving natural beauty to inspiring personal passions. As the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region continues to thrive environmentally, it promises even more clear nights for stargazing enthusiasts around the world.
Reference(s):
Improved air quality gives rise to stargazing in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region
cgtn.com
