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

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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.
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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...

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.

Send Feedback Text to the Show!

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...

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.

Send Feedback Text to the Show!

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...