A breathtaking bike journey to the darkest places on earth
The Darkest Sky is a 5,000 km bike journey from October 2026 to February 2027 in Chile, in search of the darkest skies.
This documentary follows astrophysicist Laurane Fréour and filmmaker Lorenzo Pengue from the Atacama Desert, where they will begin under some of the world’s darkest skies, to Patagonia in a quest to reconnect with a threatened cultural heritage: the dark and quiet sky.
This journey presents considerable challenges: biking through the highest arid desert in the world, with hundreds of kilometres without water, to the edge of the world, where the weather is rapidly changing, and rain is a daily companion.
Along the way, they will meet local communities who fight to preserve their night skies. They will solicit astronomers and astrophotographers to show them the beauty that the sky has to offer. Around bonfires, below the starry night, they will disconnect and reconnect with one another, exploring what the night sky brings out in all of us, with a simple yet crucial question: what will we lose if we lose the dark sky?
About us
Director: Laurane Fréour
Laurane Fréour is an astrophysicist with a passion for the universe, science communication, ecology, and sports. She is a member of the steering committee of the international association Astronomers for Planet Earth. With this project, Laurane invites the public on a journey that blends the starry sky, ecology, and sport challenges. This film is an ode to curiosity, collective action, and reconnecting with nature through the beauty of a pristine night sky.
Film maker & editor: Lorenzo Pengue
Lorenzo Pengue is a movie-maker experienced with committed documentaries and corporates production. He has collaborated with MV Agusta S.P.A., the Dakar Rally, and Blunotte Eventi on projects spanning filmmaking, lighting design, sound system design, and drone piloting.
Our Sponsors
About ZWO
Founded in 2011, ZWO is a global astronomy technology company dedicated to making astrophotography and exploration of the night sky more accessible. From its widely used ASI astronomy cameras and ASIAIR control platform to advanced mounts and Seestar smart telescopes, ZWO develops innovative imaging solutions for everyone from experienced astrophotographers to first-time stargazers.
With a focus on innovation and user-centric design, Seestar aims to revolutionize the field of astronomical observation and imaging by breaking down the barriers and democratizing the joys of astronomy to everyone. As an integral part of the esteemed ZWO family, Seestar inherits a legacy of excellence and expertise, creating seamless experiences that empower and inspire enthusiasts of all levels to uncover the secrets of the night sky with ease. Seestar’s unwavering commitment to simplicity and user-friendliness has made its products accessible and desirable to a broad audience worldwide.
Discover Seestar and experience an easier way to explore the universe with Seestar at https://www.seestar.com/.
About Pericarpe
Pericare is a building envelope consultancy specializing in the design of glass roofs and glazed facades.
Our Community Partners
About A4E
A4E is an international grassroots movement of more than 2,300 members from 86 countries, united by astronomy and a shared desire to protect our only home, planet Earth.
About DarkSky
DarkSky International restores the nighttime environment and protects communities and wildlife from the harmful effects of light pollution through outreach, advocacy, and conservation.