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

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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...