Piedmontese Theriological Station
The Piedmontese Theriological Station is based at the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale in Carmagnola [1].
In September 2026, Elena Patriarca, an expert at the institution, publicly called for the suspension of a high-intensity light beam projected for five kilometres into the night sky above the Val di Susa, installed to recall the sword of the Archangel Michael at the Sacra di San Michele [1]. According to Patriarca, the beam of light could divert the flight paths of moths and other migrating nocturnal insects, drawing them toward the source of the projector with the risk of death by burning or entrapment, and could disorient nocturnal migratory birds, whose migration phase coincides with the month of September [1]. The statement references the scientific literature on insect decline, in particular the study «Predicting a global insect apocalypse» by Cardoso and Leather (2019), and the possible non-compliance of the projection with laws on the containment of light pollution and the protection of wildlife [1]. At the time the position was made public, no response or technical assessment had been issued by the body managing the monument or by the competent authorities [1].
Timeline
- — The Piedmontese Theriological Station calls for the suspension of the light beam installed at the Sacra di San Michele, warning of the risk of attraction and death for moths and nocturnal migratory birds. → CronacaQui Torino
Related articles: Appeal Against the Light Beam at Sacra di San Michele, Elena Patriarca, Request to Suspend the Light Beam at the Sacra di San Michele, Sacra di San Michele
Pages linking here
- Appeal Against the Light Beam at Sacra di San Michele
- Elena Patriarca
- Request to Suspend the Light Beam at the Sacra di San Michele
- Sacra di San Michele