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.
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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...
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 It's So Bright at Night? Interview with Vasudev Menon on Stargazr.org
Season 3 · Episode 20
Monday, September 29, 2025 • Duration 10:07
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
Why It's So Bright at Night? Interview with Alona Rodeh on Street Lamps with Hats!
Season 3 · Episode 19
Monday, September 29, 2025 • Duration 33:48
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 Info
Alona 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.
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!
September 2025: 10 Point Scale!
Season 3 · Episode 18
Monday, September 15, 2025 • Duration 46:30
This episode's guests:
Steve Mariconda, MPH.
Frank Turina, Educator / National Park Service / Night Sky Resource Center.
Why It's So Bright at Night? Interview with Citizens for Responsible Lighting (Norfolk, Va)
Season 3 · Episode 14
Monday, July 28, 2025 • Duration 28:03
In this episode of Why It’s So Bright at Night, host Bill McGeeney explores the growing movement in Norfolk, Virginia, led by Citizens for Responsible Lighting, a grassroots group advocating for smarter, healthier, and more environmentally responsible LED streetlighting.
The group formed after residents were disturbed by overly bright 3000K–4000K LEDs installed across the city starting in late 2023 as part of a $5 million retrofit project funded by a $3 million federal grant. Rather than thoughtfully implement the upgrade, Dominion Energy inserted high-CCT LEDs into existing fixtures—including decorative ones, causing excessive glare, poor light distribution, and widespread light trespass into homes and over Norfolk’s coastal waterways.
The guests—Mary Frances Bellman, Joe Reynes, and Lori Baccanari—stress that they are not anti-LED, but are pushing for thoughtful, expert-guided implementation. Their five key requests include:
Using 2700K or lower CCT lighting (2400K in environmentally sensitive areas)
Specifying Type II distribution
Limiting lumens
Applying effective shielding
Adopting adaptive lighting controls
A thoughtful reimplementation would protect Nighttime visibility, reduce environmental harm to migratory species and amphibians, and minimize health risks like disrupted circadian rhythms, cancer, and dementia.
Despite presenting to over 40 civic leagues and briefing elected officials, the group faces institutional resistance rooted in outdated 2016–2017 lighting guidelines. Yet, they argue that their proposed approach is not only safer and healthier but cost-neutral, offering a generational opportunity to get urban lighting right from the start.
A hearty thank you to all of our paid supporters out there. You make this show possible.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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