Researchers have discovered that bogong moths navigate using the stars, a first for insects. Experiments using a flight simulator and brain recordings showed moths compensated for artificial sky rotations but became disoriented with a randomized pattern. They likely use the brightest stars and the Milky Way, switching to smell for final cave approach. This discovery, published in *Nature*, could aid conservation efforts for this endangered species threatened by drought and bushfires, as understanding their navigation helps mitigate light pollution impacts.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.