Birds, insects, mammals, and even humans, evolved a circadian rhythm. The balance between day and night has tipped decidedly toward 24 hour daytime. Below are estimated impacts by the International Dark Sky Association.
Light Pollution News
A bi-monthly podcast that looks at all of the topics in and around our nighttime environment.
Host, Bill McGeeney, is joined by three guests to help walk you through the news around how artificial light at night impacts human culture, crime, and our environment. The path to neighborhood friendly starry night solutions begin with being a more informed you!
Featured Episodes
July 2026: Cosmovision!
Host: Bill McGeeney
Guests:
- Amy Oliver, Science Communicator
- Michael Calhoun, Environmental Activist
- Ted Blank, International Dark Sky Discovery Center
It’s Light Pollution News, my friends! This episode we have an important study on mosquitoes, you won’t want to miss! And we also have an important study on eye damage and light, you won’t want to miss that one either! And since we’re being all sciency, what does the science say about our understanding of ‘awe?’
Back with me this episode are the Columbia Soil & Water Conservation District’s Michael Calhoun; Astronomer extraordinaire, Amy Oliver; and outreach / side walk astronomer and Dark Sky Discovery Center’s Ted Blank. Settle in, this is going to be a good one!
August 2026: Fundamental Rhythms
Host: Bill McGeeney
Guests:
- Ruskin Hartley, CEO Dark Sky International
- Dr. Kaori Yokochi, Ecologist
- Shane Ludtke, Actual Astronomy Podcast
Howdy friends, it’s a new Light Pollution News! I am very lucky to be joined by an excellent slate of guests! With me today are Shane Ludtke of the Actual Astronomy Podcast, wildlife ecologist, Dr. Kaori Yokochi, and CEO of Dark Sky International, Ruskin Hartley.
This episode, what happened when voters of Los Angeles were asked to fork a streetlight improvement program? How does one dark sky reserve protect its dark skies? And…there is a contest to be a Chief Star Counter! Do you have what it takes?
All this coming up next – and stay with us after the close out of today’s show for some health and news related items that I wasn’t able to cover during the course of the main recording.
August 2026: Sustainable Regeneration? Or is it Regenerative Sustainability?
Host: Bill McGeeney
Guests:
- Ruskin Hartley, CEO Dark Sky International
- Dr. Kaori Yokochi, Ecologist
- Shane Ludtke, Actual Astronomy Podcast
This episode of Light Pollution News, you have dark skies, now what? The role of bats in agave pollination. And, what on earth is being built in Saudi Arabia? The answer may look like something right out of Dune!
Joining me are three incredible guests, CEO of Dark Sky International, Ruskin Hartley; Ecologist, Dr. Kaori Yokochi; and cohost of one of my favorite podcasts, Shane Ludtke.
Stay with us as all this and more will be coming up next, including news articles not captured in the duration of the show – so be sure to stay with us after the close out!
Helpful Tips!
Solution to Reduce Light Pollution: 10 Easy Ways
When we start thinking about the issue of light pollution, like many other environmental issues, it can seem like an impossible problem to fix. Luckily, light pollution is technically the most easily reversible form of pollution. If you are interested in reducing light pollution, the best way to start is at home. We have 10 easy steps you can follow to inventory your home lighting to decrease the amount of light pollution coming from your home.
How Many Lumens Do You Need for Outdoor Lighting?
When installing or replacing outdoor lights, brightness of the lights (lumens) is an important factor that needs to be considered. The amount of lumens needed will depend on the application. This will range from 12-800 lumens depending on the purpose of the light.
We recommend going on the lower end when possible, this will not only save on energy costs, but it will help to decrease your contribution to light pollution. You can also add additional lights, or go with a brighter light bulb if you find you need a brighter light for your outdoor lighting.
Best Outdoor Lighting Ideas for Your Backyard Landscape.
Many people put a lot of time, money, and effort into their outdoor spaces. Lights are a great way to enjoy your outdoor living space at all times of the day. We believe that less is more when it comes to lighting. Too much lighting and everything will be bathed in a generic glow, the play of light and shadows allows for a much more dramatic effect and will allow certain areas and features to be highlighted. We have some great dark sky friendly lighting options for all your outdoor lighting needs.
Do We Need All Of That Light?
Protect Our Night
Annual Estimated Cost of Exterior Lighting
50B USD
US Department of Energy Estimated Percentage Resulting in Wasted Light
99%
Annual American Consumption of Outdoor Lighting.
308 tWH