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Light Pollution News
Light Pollution News episodes
- 1 LuxThis episode is one you won’t want to miss! A bridge turns its lights off for birds-you heard that right. More evidence for how our endless daytime affects plants. And can artificial light at night influence puberty’s onset?With me this episode are returning guests, jack of all trades, Mr. John Barentine, author and journalist, Lynne Peeples, and bird lover – aficionado, Tatsiana Thomson from Brome!This is a good one! Here we go!1 hr 2 min
- October 2025: Barely Tapped!
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This episode's guests:
- Yana Yakushina, Lawyer and Researcher.
- James Lowenthal, Astronomer.
- Vicky Derksen, Night Sky Tourist.
Bill's News Picks:
- Randomised trial reveals a mismatch between preferences for and hormonal responses to anthropogenic light colour temperatures, PLOS One.
- Light Wavelength Modulates the Effects of Lighted Nights on Sleep, Metabolism and Oxidative Stress in Female Zebra Finches, Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A: Ecological and Integrative Physiology.
- The Great New Zealand Road Trip: ‘You New Zealanders take your stars for granted’ - the striking words of a tourist that helped turn this Kiwi region dark, Shayne Currie, The New Zealand Herald.
- This Chappell Roan song boosted interest in a Canadian dark sky preserve by 1,800%, Elizabeth Howell, Space.com.
- Inside New Brunswick's ambitious plan for the world's densest dark-sky corridor, Jamie Carter, Space.com.
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Support the show
A hearty thank you to all of our paid supporters out there. You make this show possible.
For only the cost of one coffee each month you can help us to continue to grow. That’s $3 a month. If you like what we’re doing, if you think this adds value in any way, why not say thank you by becoming a supporter!
Why Support Light Pollution News?
- Receive quarterly invite to join as live audience member for recordings with special Q&A session post recording with guests.
- Receive all of the news for that month via a special Supporter monthly mailer.
- Satisfaction that your support helps further critical discourse on this topic.
About Light Pollution News:
Ever wonder why migrating birds crash into buildings? Or why you can't sleep at night? What about where you can still see the Milky Way?
Light Pollution News explores how our 24/7 lit world affects everything from wildlife and human health to our understanding of the stars, travel, and the future of our cities. Host Bill McGeeney brings on rotating guests to help dig into the latest research, policy activity, and real-world solutions - from how irresponsible lighting degrades our health to the best dark sky destinations for your next trip. Whether you're a birder, conservationist, astrophotographer, or just someone who misses sleeping in darkness, this is the show that connects the dots between your disappear...1 hr 13 min - Barely Tapped!This is going to be a good one! You won’t want to miss it!This episode, why doesn’t religion embrace the night sky? And is astrourism at its highest peak? We cover some health and ecology articles this episode – along with listener feedback!I welcome back to the show, astronomer, James Lowenthal, the host of the Night Sky Tourist podcast, Vicky Derksen, and lawyer / researcher, Yana Yakushina!This is a fun one! Let’s kick it off!1 hr 13 min
- October 2025: 50 Tons a Day!
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This episode's guests:
- Yana Yakushina, Lawyer and Researcher.
- James Lowenthal, Astronomer.
- Vicky Derksen, Night Sky Tourist.
Bill's News Picks:
- The endangered night: the challenge of light pollution within the international environmental legal context, Journal of Environmental Law.
- On National Space Day, Fadnavis pledges India's first state Dark Sky Policy, and what it could unlock for Maharashtra, ANI, Tribune.
- Appeals court rules Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" detention site can stay open, Joe Walsh, CBS News.
- Is Starlink Bad for the Environment? FCC Doesn’t Think It Should Weigh In, Michael Kan, PC Mag.
- Light Pollution as Antichrist, The Imaginative Conservative.
Subscribe:
- Apple Podcast
- Spotify
- Youtube
Support the show
A hearty thank you to all of our paid supporters out there. You make this show possible.
For only the cost of one coffee each month you can help us to continue to grow. That’s $3 a month. If you like what we’re doing, if you think this adds value in any way, why not say thank you by becoming a supporter!
Why Support Light Pollution News?
- Receive quarterly invite to join as live audience member for recordings with special Q&A session post recording with guests.
- Receive all of the news for that month via a special Supporter monthly mailer.
- Satisfaction that your support helps further critical discourse on this topic.
About Light Pollution News:
Ever wonder why migrating birds crash into buildings? Or why you can't sleep at night? What about where you can still see the Milky Way?
Light Pollution News explores how our 24/7 lit world affects everything from wildlife and human health to our understanding of the stars, travel, and the future of our cities. Host Bill McGeeney brings on rotating guests to help dig into the latest research, policy activity, and real-world solutions - from how irresponsible lighting degrades our health to the best dark sky destinations for your next trip. Whether you're a birder, conservationist, astrophotographer, or just someone who misses sleeping in darkness, this is the show that connects the dots between your disappear...56 min - 50 Tons a Day!What a show we have for you today! The FCC wants to keep the National Environmental Policy Act away from the Space Economy; the US Open showcases how good sports lighting can be; and how do you define ‘pollution’?Listen to all this and more! With me today is Yana Yakushina, so you know it’s going to be a good one! Also here is astronomer, James Lowenthal, and host of the Night Sky Tourist podcast, Vicky Derksen!Hang on! A new Light Pollution News is coming right up!56 min
- Why It's So Bright at Night? Interview with Vasudev Menon on Stargazr.org
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In this episode, Bill McGeeney interviews Vasu Menon, a NC State computer science student who created Stargazer.org - a revolutionary web app that solves every amateur astronomer's planning nightmare. Born from a frustrating full-moon stargazing trip to Virginia's Stanton River park, this tool combines dark sky locations, weather forecasts, and lunar data into one simple interface.
The Problem
- Multiple apps needed for stargazing planning
- Moon interference ruining viewing experiences
- Difficulty finding certified dark sky locations
The Solution: Stargazer.org Features
- Zip code-based dark sky location finder
- Integrated weather forecasting via OpenWeather API
- Lunar phase and brightness tracking
- Percentage-based scoring system for optimal viewing conditions
- Mobile-optimized interface
How It Works
- Enter your US zip code or use browser location
- Browse certified Dark Sky parks with distances
- View optimal dates with weather/astronomy scoring
- Plan trips based on comprehensive data
Future Development
- Community-submitted locations with reviews
- Upvoting/downvoting system for spots
- Open source GitHub repository for contributors
- Expanded Bortle scale coverage
Episode Quotes
"I realized like there has to be like a kind of like a one stop solution to like, you know, for like amateur people just to click a button and see the best times to go stargazing." - Vasu Menon
"This right here... I just punch in my zip code, it brings up some good spots, and then it tells me even better what the opportunities might be, what percentage opportunities I have at those nights." - Bill McGeeney
Support the show
A hearty thank you to all of our paid supporters out there. You make this show possible.
For only the cost of one coffee each month you can help us to continue to grow. That’s $3 a month. If you like what we’re doing, if you think this adds value in any way, why not say thank you by becoming a supporter!
Why Support Light Pollution News?
- Receive quarterly invite to join as live audience member for recordings with special Q&A session post recording with guests.
- Receive all of the news for that month via a special Supporter monthly mailer.
- Satisfaction that your support helps further critical discourse on this topic.
About Light Pollution News:
Ever wonder why migrating birds crash into buildings? Or why you can't sleep at night? What about where you can still see the Milky Way?
Light Pollution News explores how our 24/7 lit world affects everything from wildlife and human health to our understanding of the stars, travel, and the future of our cities. Host Bill McGeeney brings on rotating guests to help dig into the latest research, policy activity, and real-world solutions - from how irresponsible lighting degrades our health to the best dark sky destinations for your next trip. Whether you're a birder, conservationist, astrophotographer, or just someone who misses sleeping in darkness, this is the show that connects the dots between your disappear...11 min - Why It's So Bright at Night? Interview with Alona Rodeh on Street Lamps with Hats!
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Episode Summary
Discover how one artist is tackling light pollution through whimsical street art. Berlin visual artist Alona Rodeh joins the show to discuss her viral "Nightcaps" project - 3D-printed "hats" that transform unshielded street lamps into community art while reducing light pollution.
Key Topics Covered- The Nightcaps Project: 15 sculptural lamp covers installed throughout Berlin's Brunnenvierteljat neighborhood
- Community engagement: Workshops with local families and children incorporating cultural designs
- Environmental impact: Practical solutions for reducing artificial light at night (ALAN)
- Placemaking through art: How creative interventions build neighborhood identity
- Night walks: Guided darkness experiences as feminist environmental practice
- Future expansion: Plans for Israeli kibbutzim and sports stadium applications
Notable Quotes"Instead of throwing away these lanterns and putting in new ones... thinking of adapting and of raising awareness"
"It does what is called in public art placemaking - it brings things out of their anonymity"
Guest InfoAlona Rodeh specializes in light-based installations at the intersection of visual, virtual, and physical space. Her work includes nocturnal walks, immersive environments, and community-driven environmental art.
Support the show
A hearty thank you to all of our paid supporters out there. You make this show possible.
For only the cost of one coffee each month you can help us to continue to grow. That’s $3 a month. If you like what we’re doing, if you think this adds value in any way, why not say thank you by becoming a supporter!
Why Support Light Pollution News?
- Receive quarterly invite to join as live audience member for recordings with special Q&A session post recording with guests.
- Receive all of the news for that month via a special Supporter monthly mailer.
- Satisfaction that your support helps further critical discourse on this topic.
About Light Pollution News:
Ever wonder why migrating birds crash into buildings? Or why you can't sleep at night? What about where you can still see the Milky Way?
Light Pollution News explores how our 24/7 lit world affects everything from wildlife and human health to our understanding of the stars, travel, and the future of our cities. Host Bill McGeeney brings on rotating guests to help dig into the latest research, policy activity, and real-world solutions - from how irresponsible lighting degrades our health to the best dark sky destinations for your next trip. Whether you're a birder, conservationist, astrophotographer, or just someone who misses sleeping in darkness, this is the show that connects the dots between your disappear...34 min - Why It’s So Bright at Night.Discover how one artist is tackling light pollution through whimsical street art. Berlin visual artist Alona Rodeh joins the show to discuss her viral "Nightcaps" project - 3D-printed "hats" that transform unshielded street lamps into community art while reducing light pollution.34 min
- Why It’s So Bright at NightIn this episode, Bill McGeeney interviews Vasu Menon, a NC State computer science student who created Stargazer.org - a revolutionary web app that solves every amateur astronomer's planning nightmare. Born from a frustrating full-moon stargazing trip to Virginia's Stanton River park, this tool combines dark sky locations, weather forecasts, and lunar data into one simple interface.0 min
- September 2025: 10 Point Scale!
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This episode's guests:
- Steve Mariconda, MPH.
- Frank Turina, Educator / National Park Service / Night Sky Resource Center.
Bill's News Picks:
- Natural experiments from Earth Hour reveal urban night sky being drastically lit up by few decorative buildings, Scientific Reports.
- Night lights versus conservation dreams: balancing human preferences with conservation goals in protected areas for sustainable nature-based noctourism, Journal of Sustainable Tourism.
- Noise pollution and artificial light at night alter selection pressures on sexual signals in an urban adapter, Journal of Evolutionary Biology.
- Association between outdoor artificial light at night, circadian health, and LDL-C in intracranial artery atherosclerotic stenosis, Clinical Epigenetics.
- On the Use of Lights as Night Navigation Aids During Antiquity, International Journal of Nautical Archaeology.
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Support the show
A hearty thank you to all of our paid supporters out there. You make this show possible.
For only the cost of one coffee each month you can help us to continue to grow. That’s $3 a month. If you like what we’re doing, if you think this adds value in any way, why not say thank you by becoming a supporter!
Why Support Light Pollution News?
- Receive quarterly invite to join as live audience member for recordings with special Q&A session post recording with guests.
- Receive all of the news for that month via a special Supporter monthly mailer.
- Satisfaction that your support helps further critical discourse on this topic.
About Light Pollution News:
Ever wonder why migrating birds crash into buildings? Or why you can't sleep at night? What about where you can still see the Milky Way?
Light Pollution News explores how our 24/7 lit world affects everything from wildlife and human health to our understanding of the stars, travel, and the future of our cities. Host Bill McGeeney brings on rotating guests to help dig into the latest research, policy activity, and real-world solutions - from how irresponsible lighting degrades our health to the best dark sky destinations for your next trip. Whether you're a birder, conservationist, astrophotographer, or just someone who misses sleeping in darkness, this is the show that connects the dots between your disappear...47 min
About Light Pollution News
From the publisher's feed
Ever wonder why migrating birds crash into buildings? Or why you can't sleep at night? What about where you can still see the Milky Way?
Light Pollution News explores how our 24/7 lit…
world affects everything from wildlife and human health to our understanding of the stars, travel, and the future of our cities. Host Bill McGeeney brings on rotating guests to help dig into the latest research, policy activity, and real-world solutions - from how irresponsible lighting degrades our health to the best dark sky destinations for your next trip. Whether you're a birder, conservationist, astrophotographer, or just someone who misses sleeping in darkness, this is the show that connects the dots between your disappearing nighttime environment and the world around you.