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Avoiding Light Fetish.
It’s a new Light Pollution News! This episode, I welcome back Night Light Consulting’s Ken Walczak; along with author and naturalist – and all around fascinating fella – Charles Hood; oh and straight from the Soft Lights Foundation, Mark Baker joins us! Today, what is going on at Big Bend?! Some good news in the…
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Let Bats Be Themselves!
Hey there, it’s Light Pollution News! This episode, I welcome three great guests: Author and naturalist, Charles Hood; from the Soft Lights Foundation, I welcome back Mark Baker; and, out and about, starting his own thing, I welcome back Night Light Consulting’s Ken Walczak! This episode we talk bridges, some good, some….maybe not so good.…
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Trust Nobody, Check Everything.
Today, I’m welcoming back statistician, Paul Marchant; the founder of DarkSkySites.com, Barrington Russell; and, welcoming back to the show, one of my favorite guests, lawyer (and from the Plan-B team), Yana Yakushina! This episode, New York reps put forth a new light pollution bill, so what’s all the fuss about? We’ll dive into precisely what…
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Reverse Vertigo
Welcome friends to May’s first episode of Light Pollution News! This episode, I welcome someone whose writing you’ve probably read, and are probably really familiar with! Well she has a new book coming out – Megan Eaves joins the show! And, I have a man who built a website you’ll need to know about, that…
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Conquering Nature
I’m very excited about today’s guest lineup. I have with us someone who has been an inspiration to many of you listening at home, that being Mr. Johan Eklöf. Also with us today is Chetna Misra from the great organization, Lightbahn! And we welcome Leo Smith back. This episode, you’ll hear about what happened between…
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Mandate Controls
I welcome back our great guests this month, including Darkness Manifesto’s Johan Eklöf. Lightbahn’s Chetna Misra, and Leo Smith, a man who’s single handedly trying to have the Connecticut Court System be held to the law of the land. In the news this episode, were the lights in Waveland golf course really going to be…
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Why It’s So Bright at Night.
Recent Chris Beckett Triumph! Join our mailing list. Follow us at LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, & Tiktok This Episode: Chris Beckett built a dark sky observatory in rural Saskatchewan. Then a neighbor installed a light so extraordinarily bright it cast shadows on his observatory from two kilometers away. The light was so intense that photographs couldn’t…
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Create Your Own Meaning.
Today, I welcome back Mont-Megantic’s Remi Boucher, photographer Jeremy Evans, and the Sierra Club’s, Dashiell Leeds! We have have lot to cover today, including some satellite news, another big slate of ecology, and, how about we talk color…specifically, what color streetlights would you prefer to live under? Be sure to stay with us until the…
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Look at Me Lighting!
This episode, I am very excited to have some first time guests…Oh you’re really going to not want to miss this one! I welcome Mont-Megantic’s Remi Boucher, photographer Jeremy Evans, and, the Sierra Club’s, Dashiell Leeds! Well, you heard last month that Maine has a new ordinance, but it didn’t take long for that message…
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Connection.
Welcome to Light Pollution News! This episode, we ask, what can looking at SPHEREx images tell you about yourself? And, what!! Satellites can still cause light streaks…even for space telescopes! And, more important news about health and ecology came up this month! You’ll definitely want to listen! I welcome back AstronEra’s Shweta Kulkarni; acclaimed photographer,…
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Warm Yellow Richness!
We have a great show for you today! Joining me today from AstronEra is Shweta Kulkarni; we have a return visit from one of my favorite nighttime photographers, Mr. Josh Dury; and joining all the way from across the Delaware, Dark Sky New Jersey’s Jim Webster. This episode – did you hear, Maine has a…
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Knowledge Availability
Here we go, another Light Pollution News is about to kick off! This episode, I’m joined by Princia’s Rushil Kukreja; Circadian Rhythm researcher, Randy Nelson; and electrical engineer, Scott Lind! Can light pollution influence levels of CO2? A new study looks at how light affects plants’ ability to process gases. And what proof do we…
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0.68%
We’re kicking off the New Year right, with some Light Pollution News! Today, I’m joined by Princia’s, Rushil Kukreja; Circadian Rhythm researcher, Randy Nelson; and electrical engineer and advocate, Scott Lind! This episode, what did we learn when France decided to turn off its streetlights? Dark Sky Festivals can inspire more than admiration, they can…
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2025 Holiday Potluck
Happy Holidays friends! It’s our annual Holiday Potluck show! This is the show where guests return to discuss their favorite stories of 2025!
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Dark Turns.
It’s our last official episode of the year! 2026 is right around the corner! But first, we have a lot to talk about. For instance, researchers tracked insects using weather radar in the UK, we’ll let you know what they found! Do modern car headlights actually make you safer? And, it’s not just space mirrors…
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Myth Busted!
What an episode we have today for you! Joining me is lighting designer, Dr. Amardeep Dugar; astrotourism guru, Stéphane Picard; and author of the new book, “Creatures of Darkness,” Dani Robertson. Today, the saga of the Melrose Park – Fort Lauderdale, Florida community comes to an unceremonious end; are we more prone to self-harm at…
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Tunable or Standard?
Oh this is a good one! Joining me today are Tatsiana Thomson from Brome, journalist and author Lynne Peeples, and one of my favorite returning guests, John Barentine. This episode, we look at realistic drone shows, how one tribe in Arizona views the night sky, and we ask, does an increase in GDP necessarily mean…
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1 Lux
This 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,…
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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…
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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.
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Why It’s So Bright at Night
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…
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Quit Messing With My Meridian Flip!
Today, we have a lot of policy related activity. Smart policies getting set up in Virginia, an amusement park that apparently flipped the bird to migrating birds, and reading the fine print in Pittsburgh’s new LED conversion. Listen to all this and more as we have a new voice join us today – Mr. Steve…
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Keep Knocking!
You do not want to miss this one! We dive into all things ecology with BugLife’s own David Smith! Also, where do we balance nighttime conservation with societal progress? I welcome back Kelly Beatty, of Sky and Telescope, lighting designer, Kerem Asfuroglu of Dark Source, and Buglife’s David Smith! Find a bogong moth and listen…
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Establishing Precedent
On this episode, a new crime study tells us that maybe streetlights aren’t as impactful as public officials claim they are; also this episode – do streetlights get a bad rap, and, what if a protective coating could drop satellite brightness by half! All this and much more engaging conversation to be had! With me…
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Why It’s So Bright at Night.
We explore how one grassroots group is trying to improve nighttime lighting applications at a municipal level. In 2023, Norfolk, Virginia undertook an estimated $5M project to replace existing fixtures with LEDs. The result appears to have some negative externalities, resulting in the formation of the Norfolk, Virginia based, Citizens for Responsible Lighting community organization.…
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Identity.
How should we be framing night preservation issues? What on earth is airglow? And what do you need to take photos of fireflies? This episode, I welcome back Jeff Calta of the Pennsylvania Firefly Festival and Tom Reinert of Dark Sky International. And I also welcome Babak Tafreshi to the show! Settle in, you’re about…
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Know, But Don’t Know Your Fireflies!
This episode, we take a deep dive into fireflies. And that’s a good thing because we have the President of the Pennsylvania Firefly Festival, Jeff Calta, here to talk about everything related to our little flying friends. Also here, is Dark Sky International’s Tom Reinert! We talk about the importance of data collection; how three…
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Cozy Lychnology.
We finish out our stellar June lineup by exploring our ancient relationship with the night. We always knew chocolate at night was a good thing, but dang, the Mayans took it to a whole new level! Can the stars heal the mind? A new dark sky trail, and much more! This month, I welcome back…
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Gucci Bag Deep State
Wow, we have a great one for you today! Starting with – are you afraid of the dark? You may be shocked by our panel’s answer! Citizen science looks at light’s effects on butterflies. And East Riding of Yorkshire is testing the waters on some no light roadways. This month, I welcome the host of…
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Operation Daylight Forever!
This week, how does light make you feel? Can satellites change the chemistry of our atmosphere? And, did you know that you can buy old bridge lighting? A man in Queens did just that for…well most of…the Brooklyn Bridge. This month, we welcome back conservationist Michael Calhoun, landscaper Phyllis Gricus, and astronomer Dr. Robert Massey!
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Mother Snowy Owl
Join us today as we talk about some dark sky messaging fails, why salmon need you to switch the lights off, and…oh hey…streetlights with headdresses – what the! This month, I welcome conservationist Michael Calhoun, garden landscaper Phyllis Gricus, and from the Royal Astronomical Society, Dr. Robert Massey!
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Why It’s So Bright at Night.
Ever hear of the #9PMRoutine? It’s a public awareness campaign by North American law enforcement. Art Hushen returns to help break down why this simple messaging presents serious problems for our night sky.
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Typewriters and Candlesnuff.
Today, are e-ink outdoor displays the wave of the future? More proof that shielded street lights do more than just keep the light out of your bedroom! And have you ever wanted to stargaze but live in a bright night city, hogwash, we help you find something great to look at tonight! This month, we…
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Shadow Cast!
This week, we learn about an airport that has started down its path to become Dark Sky certified, have you heard of the cautionary tale of Goldendale, WA? We’ll be sure to fill you in!…and we learn about the one noctourism adventure that you need to check off of your list in 2025! This month,…
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Gateway Topics!
This episode, headlights, interior lights – what is going on with car lights?!? And should we leave the lights ON for puffins? Plus, how much do you spend on getting a good night’s sleep? This month, on the show I welcome Los Angeles dark sky advocate, Spencer SooHoo; the founder of the Dark Skies subreddit,…
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Follow Where Others Are Going.
Today, we talk lighting and crime, look at the importance of coalition building, and what would you say about some visually impressive light art? This month, on the show I welcome Los Angeles dark sky advocate, Spencer SooHoo; the founder of the Dark Skies subreddit, Jeff Schmalz; and the law enforcement veteran and educator, Art…
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Share Cookies and Be Friendly!
This episode, what on earth is going on with Breckenridge, CO’s dark sky ordinance roll out! We learn about the San Francisco Bay Bridge relighting, and would you take on a volunteer assignment to maintain a 113 year old lighthouse in Lake Michigan?
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Pie Tins.
Today, is a very special episode, we talk all things you ever wondered about Street Lights! And how do you feel about having a new, scalable way to measure the night’s brightness?
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Fly to the Right.
Can artificial light at night affect pollinators? And we have some thoughtful debate on the new Dark Sky policy packages. Finally, what’s your favorite starry sky destination for 2025? We’d love to know, shoot us over a message and we’ll add it to the list next show! This show, we welcome back Dr. Mario Motta,…
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.02 Microwatts!
Today, what should we make of all of these health studies? Lucky for us, we have Dr. Mario Motta on board to walk us through the recent health news! And, do we have a shifting baseline syndrome when it comes to darkness? To help us answer this question and more, we welcome advocate, David Lefevre…
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2024 Holiday Potluck!
We have a special holiday bonus episode of the Light Pollution News podcast out today! We invited podcast guests from episodes throughout the year to share their favorite articles of 2024 with us. We have a great and entertaining discussion for you!
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Say Light Pollution.
In this episode, China launches their version of Starlink – but how dim will they be? Hint, you’re not going to like the answer. Two communities push for more responsible lighting practices. And could you tell space junk apart from a meteor? We finish 2024 with Dr. Travis Longcore and author, Paul Bogard! Here we…
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Patterns of Activity.
This episode, what would cause the moon to drive up instances of road kill, we take a look at how some past cultures engaged with night, and is it really light pollution, or is it fright pollution? This month, I’m very excited to be joined by two people you probably need no introduction for, Dr.…
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Looking Up Matters.
This show, one man in New Zealand is attempting to bring standards to the space economy, the lights go dim over storm ravaged southern towns, and wouldn’t it be interesting if you could build your own sky quality meter? Instructions included in today’s show! I couldn’t be more thrilled about this month’s panel, including Kevin…
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Dopamine Rush
In this episode, we look at the tale of the Bethany Beach firefly – will it go on the endangered list? Is Noctalgia driving astrotourism? And, we talk about firefox mushrooms and foxfire browsers, or is it the other way around? I have a fun panel for you this month. From Instagram CapeMayAstro’s Kevin Beare,…
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See the Stars, Share the Stars!
Today, there’s a conflicting study on night shift melatonin levels, a citizen science project on moths that you could do yourself, and a new tower in Greece sets the standard for green, including by reducing light pollution! What a panel I have for you this month! From the YouTube Channel, Nebula Photos, Nico Carver joins…
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Stargazing on the Bomber!
Today, does sky brightness affect our curiosity in the universe? What on earth is LUNARSABER? And why is a town in Michigan using wattage as the determining factor for its new LED conversion. This month, I couldn’t be more excited about this panel! We have Nebula Photo’s own Nico Carver, the thought leader, Nancy Clanton,…
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What is Safe?
We talk about harnessing energy from space, a crime study that appears to highlight the problems with using satellite images to assess lighting’s impact on crime, and how about a ban on digital billboards after 1am? This month, I’m joined by a superstar panel from the North Coast Redwoods District of California State Parks, Shelana…
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Totality of Impact!
This month! We look at the Olympic’s opening ceremony which featured a spectacular light show at the Eiffel Tower. We look at a student study that examined the impact of artificial grow lighting on stadium pitches. And SpaceX’s plan to deploy 7500 Gen2 Starlink satellites was approved by the US Court of Appeals – a…
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A Right to Night?
Are street lights long for this world? And would more people feel safe in unlit spaces if we took a harder line on preventing crime? Oh, and Fireflies in Indonesia – learn what one conservation group is doing to bring back fireflies! We finish up our August show, joined by Betty Buckley of the film,…
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Checking the Box!
Today, we talk drones vs. fireworks, what is your best recourse when a neighboring business plops on bright lights all night, and what’s this I hear about a new dark sky park…near Cherry Springs? This month, I’m joined by Betty Buckley who made this great film, the Stars at Night – and by Leo Smith,…
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Why It’s So Bright at Night.
How can one county lead the charge against light pollution while balancing development and environmental preservation? Second District New Castle County, Delaware Councilmember Dee Durham joins host Bill McGeeney to discuss the successful passage of Lighting Ordinance 23-122, aimed at reducing light pollution through smart lighting regulations. Councilmember Durham explains the regulations on specific lighting…
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We Need Better Resolution!
Do we need a new satellite in the sky for monitoring light pollution? What does light at night really mean in terms of economic growth research? And…have you ever heard of the Rhea constellation? We finish up our July show with Light Justice’s Lya Osborn, Award Winning Photographer Josh Dury, and Dark Sky International’s own…
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To a Better 2045!
Illuminance – luminance, tomato – tomato! What a show we have today! Conflict over bridge lighting in Jacksonville, it’s not what you think! Is there a standard lighting level most people feel comfortable with? And have you seen a positive representation of night in cinema recently? This month, from Light Justice, Lya Osborn, Photographer extraordinaire,…
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Crap Lighting
Boy do we have a show for you today! A wonderful panel of guests including lawyer Yana Yakushina, from Buglife: Mr. David Smith, and the Dark Sky officer for Cumbria, England – Mr. Jack Ellerby! This month, how did animals fare during the solar eclipse? Are indicator lights making your nights extra bright? And a…
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Radio Aero Ecology
We talk birds, eclipses, and are you interested in purchasing land in a Dark Sky sanctuary… An incredibly enlightening show on birds today! Joining me from the University of Delaware Aeroecology lab, Mr. Jeff Buler, from the Actual Astronomy Podcast, Mr. Shane Ludke, and making his triumphant return after finding the darkened orb in the…
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Sonification
The Great American Eclipse Part II is nearly upon us! Hope you have your plans set! Joining from all the way in Trinidad and Tobago, Isa Mohammed! From an undisclosed space in the desert, Dark Sky’s own, Bettymaya Foott. And educator – astrophotographer, Mr. Frank Turina! This month, there’s a ferry station in Seattle that…
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Ar Hyd Y Nos
Plenty on the plate this afternoon! We learned new details on how nighttime flying insects use light at night. Colorado’s wealthiest ski town decided to create a new Dark Sky ordinance, but should 311 be the mechanism of enforcement? A couple pays 100 in legal fees after they fail to convince a judge of light…
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Why It’s So Bright at Night?
‘Why It’s So Bright at Night’ is a periodic episode of Light Pollution News, where host Bill McGeeney sits down and chats to understand the positions of people who advocate for light. The show’s intent is to spur conversation and understanding, helping all of us work together to a common unified goal of a better…
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A Space for Celebration
This Month, calling in live from Sydney, Lauren Collee adds a unique cultural view of night! As well does a man who converted dark sky skeptics to believers in his home Massachusetts town, astronomer, Tim Brothers! And…the brains behind one of the most talked about recent documentaries in Dark Skies, Ms. Tara Roberts Zabriskie! We…
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Walking in a Freakily Large Planetarium.
This month, from AstroBackyard, we have Ashley Northcotte! Diane Turnshek joins us and details some fun news about a video game you cannot win! And Dark Sourced, Mr. Kerem Asfuroglu joins us all the way from Ireland! We’re putting the pedal down to start the New Year! Astrotourism may be at risk for Ely, Nevada!…
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Your Holiday Bonus!
Happy Holidays from Light Pollution News! Here’s a special gift episode as a thank you for your continued support in 2023! In this special mini-episode, host Bill McGeeney shares six articles left out of the normal month to month cycle! Stay tuned to for a post-show wrap up montage!
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VIP Session Under the Bridge
We finish out 2023 with a great panel! Youth Advocate Bonnie Peng returns! Stephen Hummel of the McDonald Observatory and Mr. Travis Novitsky of the Grand Portage Anishinaabe Nation join us for a vibrant discussion asking if Light Pollution really is a pollutant. We discuss the mental health effects of dislodged circadian rhythms. Drone shows…
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Asphalt Dreams!
The Sphere is alive! Will the Sphere be the shape of things to come? How do Animals like sea turtles and deer see the world? Chicago’s house of horrors continues its gruesome march through history! And, how would you feel about a lit ring atop your car? Host Bill McGeeney is joined by Ben Chappell…
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The Perma-Noon Super Highway
This month – are we talking about Light Pollution all wrong? What is a Dark Sky Resort, and is it a good thing? Bird Migration is in full swing – what is your community doing to help birds safely pass through? And, is Environmental Justice really a thing with regards to Light Pollution? Host Bill…
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Sensory Deprivation
This month – we look at Cleveland’s new plan to breath life into its downtown! Are Net Zero Light Pollution Goals commendable? Starlink is now photobombing radio observatories! Is Astro-Tourism good for parks? Listen to two very pertinent poems you’ll not want to miss! And, there’s been a theft! Care to know what has gone…
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Fireflies, Rise Up
This month – Big changes in store as the incandescent light bulb bites the dust! Light at night is shown to reduce estrogen levels! Ever want to go to a star party with a Drag show? Is Unistellar the answer? And what on Earth is going on at the Arizona border? Host Bill McGeeney is…
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Morse Code for the ISS
This month, we share with you the ultimate summer road map for your Space themed Flagstaff trip! There’s a French Town where YOU have the power to turn ON street lights! What does Scripture say about Light Pollution? Corals are in trouble! And much more! Join us for Light Pollution News. This month, host, Bill…
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Unpacking the Light Police
This month, we ask Texas, is 7 enough? Leave some dark sky reserves for the rest of us, Texas! We learn that birds are not only remarkable meteorologist, but they have on-time departure numbers that’ll make American Airlines blush. John Barentine, of Dark Sky Consulting joins us on the show, along everyone’s favorite birder-conservationist, Kaitlyn…
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The Lumens are Calling.
Today, we surmise about the coming Lumen apocalypse. And we take a journey to learn about the history of light temperatures. We learn about light pollution’s impact on mosquitos. A new study casts doubt on street light’s impact on melatonin. Plus, is darkness becoming a luxury? We have an excellent panel this month featuring Dark…
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Neighborhood Looks Like a Truck Stop
This month, we talk about one town’s lighting dilemma, warning for pregnant women, join lights out, and learn about light’s impact on birds! Light Pollution. Joining us, Brendan Happe of the Philadelphia Moon Men and Daylon Burt of Astro Escape!
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3: Like a Sun
This month, I’m joined by youth advocate, Bonnie Peng, and, conservationist and avid bird enthusiast, Kaitlyn Evans. We take a look at some of the most interesting articles to grace the topic of light pollution! Today, learn about the first African American astronomer. Take a ride on the Stargazer train, complete with a glass of…
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2: Ice Crystal Light Beams
This month, ‘Why Falling Asleep with the Lights on is bad for your health,’ How ‘Red Lighting could rewild night skies plagued by light pollution,’ ‘Urban light pollution could be a threat to marine ecosystems,’ ‘How Pollution is rising faster than anyone predicted!’ and much more!
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1: Hormone of Darkness
In this episode, California Governor Gavin Newsome says light must shine on! Vetoes responsible lighting bill for gov’t buildings. Plus, Automatic measurement of LP, Spooky Street Lights, and a VA town struggling to protect its skies!
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0: What is Light Pollution?
Light pollution reaches far and wide, impacting the natural order of wildlife to possibly affecting human health, and more.
Light Pollution News
A Podcast Shedding the Light Only Where Needed
