Birds, insects, mammals, and even humans, evolved a circadian rhythm. The balance between day and night has tipped decidedly toward 24 hour daytime. Below are estimated impacts by the International Dark Sky Association.
Light Pollution News
A bi-monthly podcast that looks at all of the topics in and around our nighttime environment.
Host, Bill McGeeney, is joined by three guests to help walk you through the news around how artificial light at night impacts human culture, crime, and our environment. The path to neighborhood friendly starry night solutions begin with being a more informed you!
Featured Episodes
June 2026: Let Bats Be Themselves!
Host: Bill McGeeney
Guests:
- Ken Walczak, Night Light Consulting.
- Mark Baker, Soft Lights Foundation.
- Charles Hood, Author of Nature at Night.
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. And…headlights…have we been down this road before? You’ll have to listen to find out! Oh…and we have some ecology news this month, it’s a bit bat laden!
All this and much more in this episode of Light Pollution News!
June 2026: Avoiding Light Fetish.
Host: Bill McGeeney
Guests:
- Ken Walczak, Night Light Consulting.
- Mark Baker, Soft Lights Foundation.
- Charles Hood, Author of Nature at Night.
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 policy world…and some troubling news in the policy world. We also have some health news this episode! Join us for all this and more, starting now!
July 2026: I Miss My Land Line!
Host: Bill McGeeney
Guests:
- Amy Oliver, Science Communicator
- Michael Calhoun, Environmental Activist
- Ted Blank, International Dark Sky Discovery Center
It’s another episode of Light Pollution News, and you won’t want to miss this line up today!
From the forests of Oregon, I welcome back Michael Calhoun to the show! And with us today, we also have two people heavily involved in outreach: the Dark Sky Discovery Center’s Ted Blank and astronomer Amy Oliver!
This episode, we talk about community relations, specifically in regards to the Powell Observatory out in Kansas City. Did you know that there’s a satellite out there that will allow you to spell your name in satellite images? Oh, and how would you feel about renting out an Airbnb with its own observatory?
All this and much more, including a tale of how you may be able to find your future spouse! Coming up next on today’s episode of Light Pollution News!
Helpful Tips!
Solution to Reduce Light Pollution: 10 Easy Ways
When we start thinking about the issue of light pollution, like many other environmental issues, it can seem like an impossible problem to fix. Luckily, light pollution is technically the most easily reversible form of pollution. If you are interested in reducing light pollution, the best way to start is at home. We have 10 easy steps you can follow to inventory your home lighting to decrease the amount of light pollution coming from your home.
How Many Lumens Do You Need for Outdoor Lighting?
When installing or replacing outdoor lights, brightness of the lights (lumens) is an important factor that needs to be considered. The amount of lumens needed will depend on the application. This will range from 12-800 lumens depending on the purpose of the light.
We recommend going on the lower end when possible, this will not only save on energy costs, but it will help to decrease your contribution to light pollution. You can also add additional lights, or go with a brighter light bulb if you find you need a brighter light for your outdoor lighting.
Best Outdoor Lighting Ideas for Your Backyard Landscape.
Many people put a lot of time, money, and effort into their outdoor spaces. Lights are a great way to enjoy your outdoor living space at all times of the day. We believe that less is more when it comes to lighting. Too much lighting and everything will be bathed in a generic glow, the play of light and shadows allows for a much more dramatic effect and will allow certain areas and features to be highlighted. We have some great dark sky friendly lighting options for all your outdoor lighting needs.
Do We Need All Of That Light?
Protect Our Night
Annual Estimated Cost of Exterior Lighting
50B USD
US Department of Energy Estimated Percentage Resulting in Wasted Light
99%
Annual American Consumption of Outdoor Lighting.
308 tWH