Two Creative Commons photographs of Kavalur at night appear almost black. That is not photographic failure. Darkness lets human eyes adapt and helps instruments detect faint light without a bright local background.
Protect adaptation
A white torch, phone screen, flash or headlight can erase night vision built over many minutes. Bring a dim red light but use it only where staff permit, keep flash disabled and cover the phone rather than checking it repeatedly.
Dark does not mean open
The internal roads cross a controlled research estate. Remain with the authorised public group, respect barriers and never wander towards a dome because it appears unoccupied. Scientific observation and personal safety both depend on predictable movement.
The drive home
The same darkness makes an improvised return dangerous. Arrange a vehicle to the security gate, share its number and allow the driver to use lights safely on the public road. Dark-sky etiquette stops where road safety requires visibility.