Podcast

Light Pollution News

Astronomy, Nature, Science

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.

Episodes
85
Releases
Every two weeks
Typical length
1 hr
On air since
2022
Latest episode
1 day ago

Episodes

85 episodes, newest first

  1. November 2026: Ignore Ecological Light Pollution!

    Season 4, Episode 22

    Show notes

    Submit Voicemail!

    This episode's guests:

    • Ari Isaak, EvariLABS
    • Joshua Sokol, Freelance Journalist

    Bill's News Picks:

    • Reflect Orbital tests bright night tests catch residents off guard, CBS LA.
    • US agency to rewrite rules to address vehicle headlight glare, David Shepardson, Rueters.
    • Evaluating the Effect of Enhanced LED Street Lighting on Nighttime Crime in Newark, New Jersey, Journal of Quantitative Criminology.
    • Breckenridge town lighting 91% compliant with Dark Sky requirements, Allison Moore, Summit Daily.
    • Sightlines: Civil Lighting Design: A Missing Discipline, Ari Isaak, LD+A.

    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
  2. October 2026: A Sparkle of Starlinks!

    Season 4, Episode 21

    Show notes

    Submit Voicemail!

    This episode's guests:

    • Diane Turnshek, researcher, astronomer, writer
    • Steve Mariconda, DarkSkyNJ
    • Gina Pearson, Dark Sky Land, Inc.

    Bill's News Picks:

    • An Unlikely Coalition Fights to Protect Dark Skies Near San Antonio, Robyn Ross, Texas Monthly.
    • “Dark Skies Act” Against Light Pollution in NYC Stalled in State Legislature, Maria Nelli, La Voce Di New York.
    • Star Gazing, Stephen P White, The Catholic Thing.
    • This company's plans to deploy space mirrors could jeopardize the night sky for many, Jonathan O'Callaghan, MIT Technology Review.
    • ‘Starwashing’: How space companies use the greenwashing playbook while engaging in environmentally damaging practices, Marissa E. Yingling, The Conversation.

    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
  3. October 2026: Luminance Lace!

    Season 4, Episode 20

    Show notes

    Submit Voicemail!

    This episode's guests:

    • Diane Turnshek, researcher, astronomer, writer
    • Steve Mariconda, DarkSkyNJ
    • Gina Pearson, Dark Sky Land, Inc.

    Bill's News Picks:

    • Conservationists monitor migrating birds as Mt. Washington 9/11 tribute lights up night sky, Kate Dario, New Hampshire Public Radio.
    • Optimised light sources reduce nocturnal insect attraction at railway stations, Biological Conservation.
    • Fifteen new dark sky sites named for astrotourism in Thailand, The Nation.
    • When photo competitions get it wrong, there are no "bad guys" – just the rule-abiding photographers that get stabbed in the back, Alan Palazon, Digital Camera World.
    • Brightening the Metro: Hundreds of Lights Installed, City of Albuquerque.

    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 9 min
  4. September 2026: Lighting for Reassurance

    Season 4, Episode 19

    Show notes

    Submit Voicemail!

    This episode's guests:

    • John Barentine, Dark Sky Consulting, LLC
    • Lin Meng, Ecologist

    Bill's News Picks:

    • How to Grieve a Changing Planet, Phil Lane MSW, LCSW, Psychology Today.
    • Mitigating artificial light at night: effectiveness of policies and implications for plant phenology, PNAS Nexus.
    • Breckenridge's dark night skies are dreamy — but they come at a cost, Emma VandenEinde, MarketPlace.
    • Nighttime light exposure is associated with metabolic dysfunction in schizophrenia: A cross-sectional analysis of the LENS study, SLEEP.
    • The illusion of control: Do we need dark infrastructures to address light pollution?, Environment and Planning E: Nature and Space.
    • Guy Ottewell honored with an asteroid in his name, EarthSky.

    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...

    48 min
  5. September 2026: Solar Days.

    Season 4, Episode 18

    Show notes

    Submit Voicemail!

    This episode's guests:

    • John Barentine, Dark Sky Consulting, LLC
    • Lin Meng, Ecologist
    • Zhe Zhu, Remote Sensing Specialist

    Bill's News Picks:

    • A Big Government Decision Could Change Theme Parks Forever, Erica Lauren, Inside the Magic.
    • Artificial light at night extends pollen season and elevates allergen exposure, PNAS Nexus.
    • Breckenridge's dark night skies are dreamy — but they come at a cost, Emma VandenEinde, MarketPlace.
    • Conservation group praises new Kentucky law requiring crops be shielded from lights on state roads, Derek Operle, WKMS.
    • Every SpaceX Starlink satellite has to dodge a collision almost weekly, and experts fear the worst, Space.

    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 9 min
  6. August 2026: Sustainable Regeneration? Or is it Regenerative Sustainability?

    Season 4, Episode 17

    Show notes

    Submit Voicemail!

    This episode's guests:

    • Ruskin Hartley, CEO Dark Sky International
    • Dr. Kaori Yokochi, Ecologist
    • Shane Ludtke, Actual Astronomy Podcast

    Bill's News Picks:

    • L&A Dark Sky Viewing Area becomes home to 25” telescope, Attilla Danko Deep, Tori Stafford, Kingstonist.
    • Design approved for AlUla Manara observatory and research center, Arab News.
    • How Bats Keep Agave Alive: The Nighttime Pollinators Behind Tequila, Reynard Loki, LAProgressive.
    • Farmers in a national park are turning down lights at night to help wildlife – it could be good for crops too, Jenny Hall, The Conversation.
    • Mona Khalil, who left safety in Europe to protect sea turtles in Lebanon, was killed by an Israeli airstrike, Rhett Ayers Butler, Mongabay.

    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...

    57 min
  7. August 2026: Fundamental Rhythms.

    Season 4, Episode 16

    Show notes

    Submit Voicemail!

    This episode's guests:

    • Ruskin Hartley, CEO Dark Sky International
    • Dr. Kaori Yokochi, Ecologist
    • Shane Ludtke, Actual Astronomy Podcast

    Bill's News Picks:

    • Chief Star Counter, VisitSunshineCoast.
    • Sustainable community development in mountain regions: the case study of Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, Ladakh, India, Sustainable Earth.
    • The Impact of Sunlight and Artificial Light at Night on Sleep Stages: Evidence From a 7-Day Sensor-Based Observational Study, JMIR mHealth and uHealth.
    • LA property owners vote down streetlight fee increase, Kavish Harjai, LAist.
    • Quantification of methane and carbon monoxide from natural gas streetlights in Boston: a ‘low-hanging fruit’ for emissions reduction, Environmental Research Communications.

    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 1 min
  8. July 2026: Cosmovision!

    Season 4, Episode 15

    Show notes

    Submit Voicemail!

    This episode's guests:

    • Amy Oliver, Science Communicator
    • Michael Calhoun, Environmental Activist
    • Ted Blank, International Dark Sky Discovery Center

    Bill's News Picks:

    • Pope warns main threat common to religion and science is denial of objective truth, Victoria Cardiel, EWTN News.
    • Chile's Atacama Desert is one of the darkest places on Earth. But now the light is intruding, Richard Fisher, BBC.
    • Awe in nature fosters science identity and belonging inparticipatory scientists during an eclipse, People and Nature.
    • Association of high-intensity evening light exposure with risk of incident age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma: a prospective cohort study of 82,826 participants, GeroScience.
    • Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a stronger inhibitor of overwintering dormancy than urban warming in mosquitoes, Journal of Applied Ecology.

    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...

    53 min
  9. July 2026: I Miss My Land Line!

    Season 4, Episode 14

    Show notes

    Submit Voicemail!

    This episode's guests:

    • Amy Oliver, Science Communicator
    • Michael Calhoun, Environmental Activist
    • Ted Blank, International Dark Sky Discovery Center

    Bill's News Picks:

    • Investigating light pollution trends at astronomical observatories worldwide, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
    • Powell Observatory seeks new home amid growing light pollution in Louisburg, Ryan Gamboa, KSHB.
    • Decade-Long Photometric Observations of Light Pollution and Cloud Effects on Night Sky Brightness in Hong Kong, Remote Sensing.
    • Private stargazing observatory, game room, hot tub, AirBnb.

    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 5 min
  10. June 2026: Avoiding Light Fetish.

    Season 4, Episode 13

    Show notes

    Submit Voicemail!

    This episode's guests:

    • Ken Walczak, Night Light Consulting.
    • Mark Baker, Soft Lights Foundation.
    • Charles Hood, Author of Nature at Night.

    Bill's News Picks:

    • Ford Government's bill 98 Could be the final Death Knell for Birds, Alexis Wright & Anushka Yadav, The Pointer.
    • Artificial light at night disrupts immune rhythms in wild rodents under semi-natural conditions, Environmental Pollution.
    • Chronic Artificial Light at Night Exposure Disrupts Circadian Rhythms and Modulates P53 Gene Expression in a Rat Model of Colorectal Cancer, Journal of Medicine and Health Research.
    • Engineering glowing plants: recent progress and future directions for application-oriented design, Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology.
    • L.Y.R. - Dark Sky Reservation, Real World Records, 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...

    54 min
  11. June 2026: Let Bats Be Themselves!

    Season 4, Episode 12

    Show notes

    Submit Voicemail!

    This episode's guests:

    • Ken Walczak, Night Light Consulting.
    • Mark Baker, Soft Lights Foundation.
    • Charles Hood, Author of Nature at Night.

    Bill's News Picks:

    • Finland's longest bridge reaches completion in Helsinki, Starr Charles, Dezeen.
    • The Bay Lights Come Back On Tonight After Three-Year Hiatus, SF Gate.
    • Light and ultrasonic noise pollution displaces trawling Daubenton’s bats, Scientific Reports.
    • Assessing the benefits of part-night lighting on a tropical bat species endemic to Reunion Island, Biological Conservation.
    • From gas lamps to LEDs: The 100-year war on headlight glare, Kris Culmer, Autocar.

    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
  12. May 2026: Trust Nobody, Check Everything

    Season 4, Episode 11

    Show notes

    Submit Voicemail!

    This episode's guests:

    • Yana Yakushina, lawyer, researcher, and dark sky protection educator.
    • Barrington Russell, founder of http://darkskysites.com/.
    • Paul Marchant, Statistician.

    Bill's News Picks:

    • Moonlight: a neglected driver of primate sleep ecology, Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology.
    • A04615, New York State Assembly.
    • Musk Offers Sneak Peek at Orbiting Data Centers. They're Bigger Than the ISS, Michael Kan, PCMag.
    • Blue Origin Joins the Race for Orbital Data Centers With 51K Satellite Plan, Michael Kan, PC Magazine.
    • Medieval poets wrote about auroras. Their work is providing clues to the solar cycle, Jacek Krywko, Scientific American.

    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...

    58 min
  13. May 2026: Reverse Vertigo

    Season 4, Episode 10

    Show notes

    Submit Voicemail!

    This episode's guests:

    • Megan Eaves-Egenes, Author of Nightfaring - In Search of the Disappearing Darkness.
    • Barrington Russell, founder of http://DarkSkySites.com.
    • Paul Marchant, Statistician.

    Bill's News Picks:

    • My Favorite Dark Sky Running in the U.S., Andy Cochrane, Run.
    • Bali becomes a ghost town for new year. Here's why, Gillian Aeria, ABC News.
    • Is urban part-time lighting a mitigation measure for a common amphibian? A case study on Bufo spinosus, Biodiversity and Conservation.
    • Satellite imagery reveals increasing volatility in human night-time activity, Nature.

    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...

    57 min
  14. April 2026: Mandate Controls.

    Season 4, Episode 9

    Show notes

    Submit Voicemail!

    This episode's guests:

    • Johan Eklöf, Author of Darkness Manifesto.
    • Chetna Misra, Lightbahn.
    • Leo Smith, http://reducelp.com/

    Bill's News Picks:

    • Residents, feeling shut out, boo city over lighting plans at Waveland, Virginia Barreda, Des Moines Register.
    • Spokane homeowners can get a free motion sensor light through new city program, Shannon Moudy, KREM
    • Glynn County’s new zoning draft fails to update light protections for sea turtles, Jabari Gibbs, The Current GA.
    • Light pollution in the wild affects adult reef fish and has intergenerational and direct impacts on offspring, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.
    • Istanbul's Ramadan Lights: The Vanishing Art of Mahya, DW News.

    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...

    48 min
  15. April 2026: Conquering Nature!

    Season 4, Episode 8

    Show notes

    Submit Voicemail!

    This episode's guests:

    • Johan Eklöf, Author of Darkness Manifesto.
    • Chetna Misra, Lightbahn.
    • Leo Smith, http://reducelp.com

    Bill's News Picks:

    • SMITH, LEO F v. MULLINS, RAHEEM L Et Al, State of Connecticut Judicial Branch.
    • The border wall is closing in on Big Bend, sparking opposition by locals, Martha Psowski, Inside Climate News.
    • New planning rules threaten Kaikōura's dark sky status – council, 1 News.
    • ‘The normal should be darkness’: why one Belgian national park is turning off ‘pointless’ streetlights, Phoebe Weston, The Guardian.
    • Blue light filters don't work, Patrick Mineault, Neuroai.science.

    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 4 min
  16. Why It's So Bright at Night? Recent Chris Beckett Triumph! Bonus

    Season 4, Episode 7

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    In this episode, Bill McGeeney interviews Chris Beckett of the Actual Astronomy Podcast. One day, he discovered a new sun glaring directly toward his observatory. This is the story of how he worked to bring sanity back to his nighttime environment.

    THE PROBLEM
    Chris Beckett discovered an exceptionally bright light only about 2km from his Saskatchewan observatory. It was orders of magnitude brighter than typical outdoor lighting and nearly rendered his observatory unusable.

    THE SOLUTION
    Chris worked with municipal bylaw enforcement. Officials investigated and confirmed it violated bylaws. The neighbor appears to have kept the light off.

    THE OUTCOME
    A rare success story. Chris's documentation and persistence through proper channels created meaningful change, proving individuals can combat light pollution effectively.

    "This, this was such an order of magnitude different from anything we ever saw before, Bill. Like even the photo doesn't do it justice!" - Chris Beckett

    "Well, this has been a great story, a great tale, great success. Congratulations Chris, on actually being able to score a win." - 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...

    47 min
  17. March 2026: Create Your Own Meaning.

    Season 4, Episode 6

    Show notes

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    This episode's guests:

    • Remi Bouche, Science Coordinator at Mont-Megantic.
    • Jeremey Evans, Photographer - Filmmaker.
    • Dashiell Leeds, Conservation Coordinator for the Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter.

    Bill's News Picks:

    • “The Most Challenging Argument to Make”: Feelings of Safety in Dark Sky Advocacy, Environmental Communication.
    • Denmark Is Switching to Red Streetlights, and It Could Revolutionize Urban Lighting Around the World, Arezki Amiri, Daily Galaxy.
    • A Methodological Proposal for Implementing Dark Infrastructure Within the Ecological Network of an Urban Forest, Land.
    • Light pollution: Should twilight be the focus of mitigations for biodiversity?, Current Biology
    • Like a starry sky under the roof – Sanctuary of St. John Bosco, Szymon Biedronka, Mad White.

    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
  18. March 2026: Look at Me - Lighting!

    Season 4, Episode 5

    Show notes

    Submit Voicemail!

    This episode's guests:

    • Remi Bouche, Science Coordinator at Mont-Megantic.
    • Jeremey Evans, Photographer - Filmmaker.
    • Dashiell Leeds, Conservation Coordinator for the Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter.

    Bill's News Picks:

    • Let there be light — but not in Maine, GREG WALCHER, The Daily Sentinel.
    • Our state is the best place in the country to bring dreams to life: A second Sphere venue is coming to the US, Fraser Lewry, Louder.
    • LED lighting undermines visual performance unless supplemented by wider spectra, Nature.
    • Exposure to outdoor artificial light at night is associated with a higher risk of ulcerative colitis: a prospective cohort study from the UK Biobank, Frontiers in Public Health.
    • Are You Afraid of the Dark? This Oregon Retreat Locks You in Total Darkness. For Days. On Purpose, Danielle Denham, That Oregon Life.

    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 6 min
  19. February 2026: Connections.

    Season 4, Episode 4

    Show notes

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    This episode's guests:

    • Shweta Kulkarni, AstronEra.
    • Josh Dury, Award Winning Photographer.
    • Jim Webster, Advocate.

    Bill's News Picks:

    • Explore NASA’s most detailed map of the night sky yet, Andrew Paul, Popular Science.
    • Satellite megaconstellations will threaten space-based astronomy, Nature.
    • Minimizing aviation lighting duration reduces bat attraction to wind turbines, Journal of Applied Ecology.
    • Tawny owls are turning to street lighting to help them hunt, British Ecological Society.
    • Impact of artificial light at night on obesity and overweight: a systematic review and meta-analysis, BMC Public Health.

    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 7 min
  20. February 2026: Warm Yellow Richness!

    Season 4, Episode 3

    Show notes

    Submit Voicemail!

    This episode's guests:

    • Shweta Kulkarni, AstronEra.
    • Josh Dury, Award Winning Photographer.
    • Jim Webster, Advocate.

    Bill's News Picks:

    • DarkSky One supercar lurks in the dark like a ninja with its sensible lighting, Gaurav Sood, Yanko Design.
    • Colored light changes how music makes us feel, Eric Ralls, Earth.com.
    • Bright needs, dark desires: Public preferences and balancing the benefits of artificial light and natural darkness at night in Aotearoa New Zealand, People and Nature.
    • Illuminating Inequality: Public Lighting Energy Consumption and Light Pollution in Urban and Rural Contexts, Chemical Engineering Transactions.
    • Evaluation of Urban Nighttime Light Environment Safety Using Integrated Remote Sensing and Perception Modeling, Remote Sensing

    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...

    57 min