Restoring Darkness (NAILD)

Dan is a landscape lighting designer and he is on our side. He tries to stay away from “on at dusk off at dawn” sensors. As Dan says, for good design. you need the darkness. You can’t just pump light into an area and call it good lighting. Good lighting is controlled and does not contribute to light pollution. Dan Jobbins is a lighting designer, based out of New York’s beautiful hudson valley. He graduated from Boston University’s College of Fine Arts with a BFA in theatrical lighting design. He has had a 15+ year career designing lighting for theaters up and down the east coast, as well as for high profile events in the New York metropolitan area. During the covid 19 pandemic and resulting shut downs of arts and entertainment venues Dan pivoted toward landscape lighting, securing a position with one of the oldest landscape lighting companies in the Northeast. He later struck out on his own to form Hudson Valley Holidays which started as a holiday lighting company but has grown to include all manner of outdoor and landscape lighting design. Dan takes pride in placing the highest emphasis on quality design and services within Hudson Valley Holidays, a big part of which is striving for Dark Sky compliance. 

It’s been over 5 years since Dr. Kyba was on the Get A Grip On Lighting podcast. Between then and now, we created Restoring Darkness which is a much more appropriate place for Dr. Kyba to be as his research is on skyglow and artificial light at night. He points out that when lighting up a building to make it an experience, it is no longer an experience when you do it EVERY NIGHT! We bet you’ve never thought of the dangers of attracting Mayflies to an illuminated bridge. You can take part in his research by joining the Nachtlicht-BüHNE project, or submitting measurements with the Loss of the Night app on an Android or iOS device. Christopher Kyba is a physicist at the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences and Ruhr University Bochum. He has worked on quantification of artificial light in the outdoor environment for over a decade, using ground, air, and space-based techniques, as well as citizen science. He obtained his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2006, and his BSc from the University of Alberta in 2000. 

Juliana Olsson is an exhibit writer and editor at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. In order to write all the labels visitors will (hopefully) read, she’s constantly learning about new topics, exploring the collections, and going on field trips to fossil digs and dark sky sites. She holds an M.A. in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins University, and a B.A. in Film Studies and Integrative Biology from UC Berkeley. In 2023 she celebrated 10 years at the Smithsonian.

Shannon Willis is an exhibition and graphic designer, originally from Maryland, now residing in North Bethesda. Alongside her life as a designer, she is a devoted pet parent to two small dogs and enjoys diverse creative outlets such as art, design, building, dining out, and horror movies. Shannon's lifelong passion for art and crafts led her to pursue studies in Industrial Design at Virginia Tech and Graphic Design at the Art Institute of Washington. For the past 13 years, she has been an invaluable member of the Museum of Natural History, utilizing her creative prowess to design engaging exhibitions. Shannon's enthusiasm and commitment to her craft drive her to constantly seek new opportunities for growth and expand her knowledge. Her dedication and transformative work leave a lasting impact on design at NMNH, delighting visitors and contributing to the museum's success.

Harold Wallace, Jr., is curator of the Electricity Collections at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Responsible for over 25,000 objects documenting the history of electrical science and technologies, Hal has specialized in the history of electric light and power since joining NMAH in 1995. Hal holds a Ph.D. in public policy / policy history, and an M.A. in the history of technology, both from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. He has curated exhibitions and written articles and blogs on the history of several electrical topics. His current exhibitions are Lighting A Revolution and The Electric Dr. Franklin. He serves on the Collections Committee of the Baltimore Museum of Industry and as Smithsonian representative on the board of the Thomas A. Edison Papers Project. Hal is a member the American Historical Association, the American Political Science Association, the Illuminating Engineering Society, and the Society for the History of Technology. 

If bright light at night bothers you, it is much worse for marine life, and they don’t realize it, they just react. Their instinctual biological processes change in reaction to artificial light and sky glow which then affects the food chain. To add to that, the blue light from LED’s penetrates deeper into the water. The sky glow disrupts biological processes that are guided by moonlight. Dr. Davies and Prof. Smyth are doing the research. Now it’s up to us to take action. Dr Davies is a marine conservation ecologist at the University of Plymouth, UK working. His research seeks to understand the impacts and management of man-made global change on ecosystems, and human-environment interrelationships. He has published research on the impacts and management of a variety of global change issues - most notably Artificial Light at Night (ALAN). Prof. Tim Smyth is the Head of Science for Marine Biogeochemistry and Observations at PML. This involves leading a team of around 20 people ranging from PhD students to experienced senior scientists across a range of disciplines from air-sea exchange, nutrient cycling to molecular science within the broad remit of marine biogeochemistry. His brief also includes oversight of the Atlantic Meridional Transect (AMT) as well as the Western Channel Observatory (WCO) which he has been leading for the past 15 years. 

Dr. Darley gives us a new term (that we’re totally stealing!). Instead of describing light pollution to people as too much light, she feels people respond more positively to the problem if you describe it as a “darkness deficiency.” Dr. Darley goes on to explain the hazards of too much light - sorry, of a darkness deficiency - in your environment when you’re trying to sleep, like hormone imbalance, thyroid problems, and cancer risk. If you hold your arm out in the middle of the night and you can see your fingers wriggle, then there is not enough darkness in your room. Dr. Catherine Darley is the leader in natural sleep medicine. She combines her knowledge of sleep and circadian disorders with her training as a naturopathic physician to bridge these two fields. She’s treated patients for over 20 years, along with training healthcare providers in sleep medicine. Dr. Darley now focuses on teaching people sleep skills so they can thrive at home, at work, and have a high quality life. You can find her online at SkilledSleeper.com, on Instagram, and Substack. 

Find the latest news in the Restoring Darkness front. Highlights of this episode: - University of Pennsylvania Study Shows Staying Up All Night Might Help with Depression - Mice with High Blood Pressure Die Faster Under Circadian Disruptions - Melatonin-rich diet improves sleep Presented by The Lighting And Darkness Research Foundation https://restoringdarkness.com/donate/  

Our host, Michael, has learned a lot from reading children's books to his kids. Anna’s book, “Can You See The Stars Tonight?” we’re sure, is no exception. We are always hopeful for the next generation, so let’s teach our children about the impact of light pollution with Anna’s book. And you can’t go wrong with cute little puffins! Anna is a children's book author and illustrator who is passionate about animals and wildlife. She received a first class degree in Illustration from Sheffield Hallam University and a Masters in Children's Book Illustration from Cambridge School of Art. Anna's latest picturebook, “Can You See The Stars Tonight?” published by David Fickling Books, is a story about the impact light pollution can have on puffins and what we can do in our own homes to help our local wildlife when it comes to light pollution. Sponsor: Evluma www.evluma.com 

LEDs came along in the early 2000’s. They emitted light. They were energy efficient. What could be bad? Ask Mark Baker who’s highly sensitive to certain LED lights. And there are people worse off than him who cannot neurologically tolerate the type of radiation emitted by LEDs. Imagine if you couldn’t go to a store or walk under street lights lest you get dizzy, acquire a migraine or fall into an epileptic episode. There are thousands of people who can’t leave their house, and now can't even replace their light bulbs with incandescents. And let’s not forget about the natural world where studies on the effects of LEDs have barely scratched the surface. Mark Baker is the President of The Soft Lights Foundation, a non-profit organization that advocates for the protection of people and the environment from the harms of visible radiation emitted by products that use Light Emitting Diodes. Mark is the primary author of a primer on the differences between a curved surface emitter and a flat surface emitter. His co-authors include subject matter experts in the fields of physics, engineering, medicine, and light pollution. Connect with Mark: www.softlights.org Soft Lights Foundation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/softlights.org Ban Blinding LEDs - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BanBlindingLEDs Petition to Ban Blinding Headlights: https://www.change.org/p/u-s-dot-ban-blinding-headlights-and-save-lives  

Highlights from the darkness news word are:

 - Blue blocking lenses don't work

 - Municipal governments leading on bird safety

 - DarkSky's photo contest winners

 - Holidays are visible from space

Highlights from the darkness news world are:

 - Night Shift Work is Bad for Your Memory

 - Giving Insomnia to Molluscs and Rodents

 - Circadian Lamps Go to Space

 - Progress on a Petition to Change LED Headlights 

Rachel comes to us from the Sea Turtle Conservancy in Florida. She’s doing her part to protect the turtles in so many ways. She helps to conduct code enforcement workshops for municipal enforcement officers around the state, and she is promoting wildlife-friendly lighting, by following key principles: keeping lights low, shielding them from view, using longer wavelengths, and minimizing unnecessary lighting. Her goal is to reduce light pollution and its impact on wildlife, particularly sea turtles, by promoting responsible lighting practices. Rachel Tighe is a certified lighting specialist I in the lighting industry through the National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors. Rachel has worked for environmental and conservation driven organizations for over 14 years with a focus in minimizing the anthropogenic threats to wildlife and the natural world. She has worked as the Lighting Project Manager for Sea Turtle Conservancy, the oldest sea turtle organization in the world, for over the past seven years. Rachel and her team work to mitigate problematic lights on sea turtle nesting habitat. Connect with Rachel: www.conserveturtles.org @conserveturtles Sponsor: Evluma www.evluma.com 

It’s about communication, spreading knowledge, and good lighting. As a member of Lighting Urban Community International (LUCI), Elisa is one of many across the globe advocating to use light as a tool for social, cultural and economic development. Before you develop your urban area, contact Elisa (or one of her colleagues from LUCI) and she’ll help you avoid bad lighting. Let’s get it right the first time!

Elisa Hillgen is a lighting designer, light artist and a lighting coordinator at the City of Jyväskylä, known as City of Light. She has previously worked in the field of building and interior design, and has over 15 years of experience in different fields of lighting. For the last 7 years, she has focused on urban lighting and light art projects. Her job as the lighting coordinator of Jyväskylä includes taking care of the dark time cityscape by organizing design projects and maintenance for urban lighting and working in the light festival team. She is also the LUCI Association contact person for the City of Jyväskylä, which is currently the president of the global network.

Connect with Elisa:

https://valonkaupunki.jyvaskyla.fi/en/city-light-jyvaskyla

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisahillgen/

https://www.instagram.com/hilgelli/

Highlights from the darkness news are:

 - Charting New Harms of ALAN

 - Speakers from Under One Sky

 - Bird’s Eye Views Are Shrinking

 - Pandas Get Jet-Lag

Hannah practices “place-based” research. Rather than finding international or national solutions, she advocates for small scale “place-based” solutions for local areas that will have their own challenges. As an astrophysicist, she is working to make the science understandable, accessible and more relevant. Michael brings up an interesting philosophical question that arises from that endeavor. Hannah Dalgleish is a knowledge exchange professional working in the academic and place-based policy engagement sphere. She has a PhD in astrophysics and has been involved in numerous projects related to astronomy for development, with a particular focus on dark skies and society, light pollution and policy, and science communication. She helps to coordinate the International Astronomical Youth Camp and is a former Trustee of the Royal Astronomical Society. 

Highlights from the darkness news are:

-       ALAN Linked with Breast Cancer

-       France Powers Ahead on Night Conservation

-       Border Protection Suspend Nature Protections

-       Blue-Filtering Lenses Not Recommended 

Highlights from the darkness news are:

-       Scientific Consensus

-       1000 Bird Strikes in One Night

-       Chile Restores Darkness

-       Light Pollution is Brain Pollution

Watch this episode and you’ll feel the hope and positivity emanating from your screen from Aparna and John. Michael discusses, with Aparna and John, humanity’s lost connection with the sky, forgotten sky stories and traditions from many cultures, and even the lighting industry’s little corner of the climate change problem, which we could effectively tackle RIGHT NOW, if there was only the willpower to do so. Aparna and John haven’t lost hope. Aparna Venkatesan is an astronomer in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and co-Director of the Tracy Seeley Center for Teaching Excellence, at the University of San Francisco. She works on studies of the first stars and quasars in the universe, and is also actively involved in projects in cultural astronomy and space policy. She currently serves as co-Chair of the American Astronomical Society's Committee to Protect Astronomy and the Space Environment (COMPASSE). Professor Venkatesan has been recognized internationally for her research and DEI leadership, featured widely in the media, and received numerous prizes and awards. She is deeply committed to increasing the retention of underrepresented groups in astronomy and STEM, and is active in developing scientific partnerships with Indigenous communities worldwide. Connect with Aparna: https://www.usfca.edu/faculty/aparna-venkatesan John Barentine is the Principal Consultant at Dark Sky Consulting, LLC, and was formerly the Director of Public Policy for the International Dark-Sky Association. He earned a Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of Texas at Austin, and previously held staff positions at the National Solar Observatory, Apache Point Observatory, and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Throughout his career, he has been involved in education and outreach efforts to help increase the public understanding of science. He is a member of the American Astronomical Society and the International Astronomical Union, and is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. The asteroid (14505) Barentine is named in his honor. His interests outside of astronomy and light pollution research include history, art and architecture, politics, law and current events. 

Mark Baker is back and he’s still advocating for people who experience the harmful effects of LED light. Mark tells us about some ongoing litigation involving car lots and nearby residents, and a successful one against a town in Minnesota. You’re going to see more of Mark here, as the Soft Lights Foundation and the Lighting & Darkness Foundation work together to tackle the problems of harmful LED’s. Mark Baker is the President of The Soft Light Foundation, a non-profit organization that advocates for the protection of people and the environment from the harms of visible radiation emitted by products that use Light Emitting Diodes. Mark is the primary author of a primer on the differences between a curved surface emitter and a flat surface emitter. His co-authors include subject matter experts in the fields of physics, engineering, medicine, and light pollution. 

Highlights from the Darkness News are:

-       The Royal Society Publications this Month

-       LDS Project Updates

-       Virginia Observatories vs Private Residents

-       NASA’s Turtles

From the first faint signals from Sputnik in 1957 to an estimated half a million satellites orbiting the earth in 2030 - yeah, we were shocked too! The effects on earth based astronomy could be devastating. And then there are all the things that can go wrong, like collisions and the build up of aluminum and other particles in the high atmosphere from burned-up satellites. On the bright side, there is growing cooperation from satellite companies, in mitigating the reflective properties of satellites. Dr Tregloan-Reed completed his Ph.D. in astronomy at the University of Keele, Staffordshire, UK and then went on to a two year postdoctoral research fellowship at NASA Ames Research center, California USA. In 2018, Dr Tregloan-Reed relocated to Northern Chile and his primary research is in exoplanets, specializing in exoplanets which orbit active host stars, to better understand how stellar activity can impact our ability to detect and characterize exoplanetary systems. Since the start of 2020 and after the launch of Darksat, SpaceX's first attempt to dim their satellites, Dr Tregloan-Reed has been leading an international network of telescopes in performing brightness measurements of satellite constellations such as Starlink, OneWeb, and Amazon Kuiper. This survey is collecting data to allow astronomers to develop mitigation software and to ascertain the impact of satellite constellations to the quality of the night sky and Astronomy. 

Jin joins us from North Carolina where he is, along with earning his Ph.D, doing his best to reduce - or eliminate - bird-window collisions. In fact window collisions are mostly a daytime problem. The night time problem is light at night. This draws birds in and they then collide with any part of a building, or they die from exhaustion, confused and circling the light. Come on humanity, we can do better! Jin Bai is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology program at NCSU and studies the drivers of urban bird diversity. He has extensive experience designing, coordinating, and assisting citizen science projects, including organizing the Triangle Bird Count. Jin co-founded City Bird with a mission of documenting bird-window collisions and advocating for bird-friendly college campuses in the Triangle area of North Carolina. Additionally, Jin is a board member of the New Hope Audubon Society, a local non-profit chapter of the National Audubon Society covering Orange, Durham, and Chatham counties of NC, dedicated to local bird conservation. 

This is John Barentine’s second appearance and we still haven’t exhausted the conversation. How do we solve the light pollution problem? John has some ideas. Use reason and science and, as is John’s mission, give people the transformational experience of the night sky. How do we help that happen? By implementing the existing knowledge and technology of the lighting industry that knows how to make that a reality NOW! John Barentine is the Principal Consultant at Dark Sky Consulting, LLC, and was formerly the Director of Public Policy for the International Dark-Sky Association. He earned a Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of Texas at Austin, and previously held staff positions at the National Solar Observatory, Apache Point Observatory, and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Throughout his career, he has been involved in education and outreach efforts to help increase the public understanding of science. He is a member of the American Astronomical Society and the International Astronomical Union, and is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. The asteroid (14505) Barentine is named in his honor. His interests outside of astronomy and light pollution research include history, art and architecture, politics, law and current events. 

Highlights from the Darkness News are:
 - Updates From DarkSky International
 - Vision Charts
 - Highway Disco
 - Wasatch LDS Temple Update

High Pressure Sodium might be the best street lights for our rods and cones, but LED is here to stay, so we’re going to have to figure it out. Noah talks with Michael and Mark about reports, studies, and solutions. He gives us some very interesting facts about cone cells in our eyes under yellow light, and why military bases and astronomers use red light to illuminate at night. But cities have gone and are going to blue light LED’s at night, and no one wants to admit to this mistake. Noah Sabatier is a photographer and lighting researcher that is dedicated to advocating for better outdoor lighting. Noah has spent the past 5 years living with a night shift sleep schedule, during this time he realized that the streetlights in his city were far from optimal - and recent changes had only made them worse. He has spent the past 2 years extensively reviewing scientific literature and technical documents alongside others advocating for better lighting. Noah is now working to raise awareness of common misconceptions that lead to bad lighting and the better practices needed to solve this problem.

See some of Noah's work on The Soft Lights Foundation website: https://www.softlights.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/A-Multi-Field-Analysis-of-Street-Lighting-in-Grand-Rapids-Michigan.pdf

Highlights from this episode:

• Bridge Lighting Blocking Fish
• Sea Turtle Records
• Light Pollution Bylaws on the Rise
• And the Award Goes To…

"Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing." --Benjamin Franklin We think we’ve covered both bases in this episode. Jacqueline has written something worth reading, and The Lighting & Darkness Foundation and The Soft Lights Foundation are doing something worth writing about - or at least talking about. Michael and his new co-host, Mark Baker, chat with Jacqueline about our innate fear of the dark and it’s value to humanity and the environment. Jacqueline Yallop is the author of three novels and four works of creative non-fiction. She is currently working on a collection of short stories. She lives in West Wales where she teaches creative writing at Aberystwyth University. Jacqueline is an award-winning author of fiction and creative non-fiction, described as a ‘writer of rare fine judgement and delicacy’. Her latest book, Into the Dark, is out in November 2023 (London: Icon Books): it looks at darkness in all its forms, in science, literature, art, philosophy and history. Her novel, Obedience (London: Atlantic) was nominated for the Man Booker Prize. Big Pig Little Pig (London: Figtree) a memoir, was Radio 4 Book of the Week. Her work has been translated into several languages. 

Light pollution is harmful. Buddy Stefanoff is working on it - to the tune of about 5 years ahead of anybody else. Buddy and Crossroads LED are conscious of light trespass, color temperature, and shielding and so, have taken their design and manufacturing to the next level. Buddy demonstrates to Michael and special guest host, Greg Ehrich, some of the thermal dissipating and zero glare designs. He just might be the only one doing this. Buddy Stefanoff is an entrepreneur, small business owner and the Vice President of Engineering for Crossroads LED. With over 20 plus years of experience and expertise in the development of advanced, LED based luminaires and dark-sky certified lighting platforms, Mr. Stefanoff is the driving force behind the company’s product line which has received numerous patents and awards, including the International Dark-Sky Association’s prestigious “Best Design and Technical Innovation Award”. Under Mr. Stefanoff’s direction and leadership, Crossroads LED has become the undisputed worldwide leader in the design and production of LED luminaires that reduce light pollution and sky glow. 

Highlights from this episode:

• Moths on the Run
• Birds on the Wing
• Lights on the Shard
• Trees in your House

Diane has been to Mars. That is, she crewed the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah. It was there she turned her attention to Dark Sky advocacy. Diane is a lecturer in the Department of Physics at Carnegie Mellon University and the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pittsburgh. Lucky for Pittsburgh, Diane is helping to guide the city’s street light conversion to LED by, among other things, convincing astronauts aboard the ISS to take photos of Pittsburgh before, during, and after the conversion. Diane Turnshek bonus fun fact: the Dung Beetle uses the light of the Milky way to roll its little ball of dung in a straight line. Diane has earned an International Dark Sky Association’s Defender Award. She has given over one hundred light pollution talks including one for TEDxPittsburgh, curated a series of space art galleries, and founded the Pennsylvania Chapter of the International Dark-Sky Association. In 2019, she edited the genre anthology Triangulation: Dark Skies with twenty-one starry night short stories. She has been interviewed by the New York Times, PBS News Hour, NPR Morning Edition, Canada One Radio, Chinese Global Television Network and 50 more news outlets. She hosted a Dark Skies Conference at CMU and is co-running the 9th International Artificial Light at Night Conference in Calgary, Canada in August of 2023. Her research focuses on measuring the light of cities with drones, aircraft, satellites and astronauts aboard the ISS. 

Highlights from this episode:

 - Debunk the Blue?
 - Protein Possibilities
 - DLC LUNA 1.0a
 -Rudolph’s Rhythms

Sponsored by Evluma
https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle

More and more satellites are going to obstruct the view for astronomers, but as Jo Marchant points out, it will also affect the cultural, spiritual and psychological aspects for everyone when they don’t have a clear view of the stars. Jo explains, in her book, The Human Cosmos: Civilisation and the Stars, how it is evident from ancient cave drawings that early man used the stars to mark the passage of time. She argues that the invention of mechanical clocks meant that we no longer needed to look to the sun and stars to mark time. So take off your watch, put away your phone, cover your digital clock and just take in the majesty of the stars. Jo Marchant is a New York Times bestselling author and speaker. Her writing explores the nature of humanity and our universe, from the mind-body connection to the mysteries of past civilisations and the awesome power of the night sky. 

Highlights from this episode:
 - Certifying Campgrounds
 - A First for Wales
 - Darkness Events
 - A Bother in Bisei

Sponsored by Evluma
https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle

Headlines and Sources
DSI Launches Approved Lodging Program
https://darksky.org/news/pack-your-bags-the-darksky-approved-lodging-program-is-now-live/

Jonestown, TX Recognized as a Dark Sky Community
https://darksky.org/news/jonestown-becomes-texass-ninth-international-dark-sky-community/

Presteigne and Norton are Wales' First Dark Sky Community
https://news.yahoo.com/powys-street-lights-off-wales-184206450.html

Dynamic Lighting in ICU Reduces Delirium Symptoms
https://medicaldialogues.in/critical-care/news/modified-icu-design-integrating-dynamic-lighting-system-may-reduce-delirium-severity-122743

National Institutes of Health Studies Finds Genome Associations in Sleep Latency in Fruit Flies
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-50552-z#Sec7


Bordeaux Deputy Mayor: Your Fear of the Dark is on You
https://newsrnd.com/news/2024-01-11-turning-off-the-lights-at-night--%22this-black--it-freaks-me-out%22----one-year-on--mixed-results-in-bordeaux.SkeuOs7TOT.html

Cornelius, NC May Lift Ban on Year-Round String Lights
https://www.corneliustoday.com/light-news-day/

Davis, CA Debates Uplight for Trees
https://www.davisenterprise.com/news/city-seeks-community-feedback-on-downtown-tree-lighting-options/article_67982c54-a9a9-11ee-8bd3-63cf4f3fc78b.html

Tarup Dark Sky Fest Sets Date
https://www.kunstrumfyn.dk/about-trup-dark-sky

Powhatan State Park in VA Begins Saturday Under the Stars Program 
https://www.romulans.net/2024/01/10/marvel-at-the-night-sky-during-saturday-under-the-stars-at-powhatan-state-park-katelyn-harlow-wric-abc-8news/

Belfast Starlings Return to Murmurate, Despite Light Pollution Worries
https://twitter.com/BBCNewsNI/status/1744610357606322448

Bisei, Japan’s Bright Neighbors
https://arxiv.org/abs/2312.12812

Peter comes to us from Casambi, so naturally this one is all about controls. Now don’t glaze over all you astronomers and astrotourists, this is important. This is how we get to restore our night sky and still have the light at night that we need. Peter tells Michael and Mark that he has been involved in a project where a developer actually WANTED to give street light control to the end-user - the people with homes on the street. Mark likes the idea that people who need brighter light can turn up a parking lot lamp temporarily that will then return to its dim state which is good for the people who are sensitive to bright LED lights. Could controls help us get it under control? Prior to his 20 year career of leading teams and driving revenue in the lighting manufacturing and controls industry, Peter worked in software. It was this distinctive blend of experiences that fueled his passion for harnessing technology for innovative problem-solving—a passion he now brings to Casambi. 

Highlights from this episode:
 - Lighting up the Court
 - Satellite Imaging
 - Tigers
 - Bridges

Sponsored by Evluma
https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Headlines and Sources:
Mark Baker and the Soft Lights Foundation Sue FDA
https://www.softlights.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Mark-Baker-vs.-FDA_filed.pdf

Major Variations in Street Light Dimming Functionality
https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2024-01/ssl-impacts-010v-led-streetlights_dec2023.pdf

AIR and CAS Partner on Satellite Imaging to Track Light Pollution
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17538947.2023.2297013

AIMS Using Satellites to Track Hazards to Marine Life
https://phys.org/news/2024-01-potential-iconic-marine-wildlife.html

New Estimate; Low-Orbit Objects Will Soon Be Responsible for 10% of Sky Glow 
https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Datawatch/Satellite-glints-grow-in-night-skies

Jeju National University College of Medicine Finds that Bright Light at Night Doubles Risk of Eye Disease
https://www.newsdirectory3.com/bright-lights-at-night-the-double-risk-of-eye-disease/

Diabetic Mice Do Worse Under ALAN
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphot.2024.1323539/abstract

LED Headlights Are Getting Worse
https://www.ledsmagazine.com/specialty-ssl/article/14303722/uk-motoring-group-says-blinding-headlights-are-getting-worse

UK Gov to Investigate Headlight Brightness
https://lightaware.org/news/uk-government-acknowledge-issues-with-glaring-headlights?fbclid=IwAR3E1LC87-HKQtgZJq3zFpKneB72u82y6nNOzgUOy0UHHrPud2t6USoQqKI

Excess Lighting Ruins Your Garden
https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/gardening/2024/01/13/tone-it-down-why-too-much-artificial-lighting-is-bad-for-your-garden/

Pench Tiger Reserve is India's First Dark Sky Park 
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/maharashtra-pench-tiger-reserve-becomes-indias-first-dark-sky-park-all-you-need-to-know-11705123164919.html

Lake Placid, NY Forms Dark Sky Committee
https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/49090/20240115/making-skies-darker-in-lake-placid-and-the-adirondack-park

Truckee, CA Works on Dark Sky Initiative
https://www.sierrasun.com/news/dont-be-afraid-of-the-dark-stars-will-light-the-way/

Campbell River, BC Resident Ask for Nuisance Lighting Laws
https://www.campbellrivermirror.com/local-news/campbell-river-resident-calls-for-city-to-regulate-nuisance-lighting-7296211

Brightoners Ask for American Express Community Stadium to Turn down exterior lighting
http://stadiumdb.com/news/2024/01/england_brighton_residents_urge_club_to_turn_off_that_light

Aspen, CO passes Light trespass Ordinance
https://coloradosun.com/2024/01/26/aspen-goes-dark-with-a-new-ordinance-that-punishes-light-trespass/ 

Samuel De Champlain Bridge in QC adds 5,800 RGB Decorative Lamps without Bothering Wildlife
https://www.lightspeconline.com/projects/article/33014622/lighting-an-iconic-bridge-while-minimizing-environmental-impact

 Kansas City’s Bond Bridge Decorative Lights Are Out Over Maintenance Costs
https://www.yahoo.com/news/why-lights-kansas-city-bond-120000090.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9hcHAubWVsdHdhdGVyLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAAPcMfu8Xb7cYSO8irSBg2XVVUZPQ39i4791pnBsDBLROxE0so_Lxq1NxhhwqWdFCDF3dEhlXre9edZsZYjwnp1b3X_Uhzx1oEefQW17LC3JyQYkzwRxwHdp0hjkn9TkgvwtcyTJpBb4FhCZWyRHe0FVcV1ATM-jl00eIequJG-W

LDS Motions to Join Heber Valley, UT as Co-Defendant in Zoning Fight 
https://ksltv.com/617416/church-of-jesus-christ-asks-to-intervene-in-lawsuit-against-heber-valley-utah-temple/

Musta Huone Drops Album in the Theme of Light Pollution
https://thequietus.com/articles/33751-musta-huone-interview

If light is in a simulation, how does it know what is reality? Okay, obviously light isn’t self-aware. But Dr. Morrell and his team at University of Exeter in the U.K. are creating computational models that predict the characteristics of artificial light at night. These models can show everything from how street lights will affect animals, plants, and humans. It’ll show what the glare will be like on a particular road. But most importantly, it can demonstrate how to improve the lighting before spending one pound or dollar on a light fixture. Dr. Morrell is a postdoc researcher working between the Environment and Sustainability Institute and the Astrophysics group at the University of Exeter. He received his PhD in astrophysics from Exeter in 2020, where he researched techniques for measuring the properties of stars. Since then, he has been working on combining measurement techniques with computational models to predict the characteristics of artificial light at night at and just above ground level, in locations and at scales that humans and animals experience it. He is working to develop quantitative models to better predict the ecological impacts of our rapidly evolving urban lightscapes.

Connect with Dr. Morrell: Twitter - @smorrell Mastodon - @smorrell@mastodon.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammorrell/ Personal website: https://sammorrell.co.uk/ Project website: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/esi/research/projects/artificial-light/ 

Highlights from this episode:

• Moths to a Flame
• 3 Year Missions
• DarkSky Recognition
• Backyard Updates

Sponsored by Evluma

https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Headlines and Sources can be found at RestoringDarkness.com

You might have seen Nathalie on episode 324 of the Get A Grip On Lighting podcast. We thought Nathalie’s commitment to good, responsible lighting made her a natural fit for this podcast as well. Nathalie pushes back on some of the ideas that have been talked about on Restoring Darkness. She is all for dark sky preserves, but she doesn’t expect to see a lot of stars from New York City. And as she points out, even if all the lights were out, the pollution and particulates in the air would probably still prevent you from seeing the night sky. Nathalie even inspired Michael to rethink some of his views. Nathalie Rozot, MIES, is the founder of PhoScope, a think tank on light. She is a New York-based phototect and the recipient of many prestigious awards, grants, fellowships and sponsorships, including a 2021 WIL Award for the global solar lighting initiative Light Reach. She has a strong track record of contributions to social and critical issues in lighting and to lighting and design education. These include international keynote presentations, speaking engagements and publications, as well as a part-time professorship at The New School, former engagements as senior thesis faculty in lighting design Masters programs, senior guest lecturer in landscape architecture Masters programs in Versailles and Lille, and education columnist for the IES’s publication LD+A. 

Highlights from this episode:
 - Elegy for an Owl
 - ALAN and Allergies
 - State Lighting Regs
 - Wasatch Update

Sponsored by Evluma
https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Headlines and Sources:

ALAN Makes Allergies Worse
https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-024-03291-5

UK Tax Laws Increased Light Pollution in Sub-Saharan Africa
https://phys.org/news/2024-02-tax-laws.html

Women Focus on Darkness in the Environment
https://www.fastcompany.com/91028055/heat-map-women-walking-alone-night-personal-safety-study

New Daylight Therapy for Parkinson's Patients
https://www.led-professional.com/all/revolutionary-daylight-therapy-study-offers-new-hope-for-parkinsons-patients-enhancing-sleep-and-circadian-rhythms

Sleep Health Linked with Mental Health
https://neurosciencenews.c om/sleep-circadian-rhythm-mental-health-25633/

Red Lighting Are Great for Wildlife But Present Issues for People
https://www.lightnowblog.com/2024/02/researchers-find-red-lights-outdoors-for-wildlife-protection-comes-with-potential-risks/

Circadian Clock Linked with Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.02.08.579499v1

American Headlights Are More 'Blinding' Than International Counterparts 
https://abc7chicago.com/why-are-headlights-so-bright-car-adb-high-beam/14428185/

USDA Approves Bioluminescent Petunias for Sale
https://newsrnd.com/life/2024-02-16-let-there-be-light-%E2%80%93-from-next-year-you-will-be-able-to-buy-glowing-plants.SJGlNn7asa.html

NY Bird Safety Law Renamed After Popular Deceased Owl
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/politics/a46990141/new-york-flaco-the-owl-law/

NY Proposes Law on Non Essential Lighting after 11pm
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/S7663

IL May Pass "Responsible Outdoor Lighting Control Act"
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7165848982722727936/?updateEntityUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_updateV2%3A%28urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7165848982722727936%2CFEED_DETAIL%2CEMPTY%2CDEFAULT%2Cfalse%29

Maryland Proposes Limits on Lighting at State-Run Facilities
https://engagifiiweb.com/maco/engagifii-detail/?billId=647003

Death Valley to Host Dark Sky Festival
https://news3lv.com/news/local/dark-sky-festival-sets-return-to-death-valley-national-park-nps-california-nevada-las-vegas-astronomical-society-astronomy-stars-planets

Copper Harbor, MI Hosts Dark Sky Festival
https://www.mlive.com/life/2024/02/up-dark-sky-festival-to-feature-stargazing-workshops-at-historic-keweenaw-lodge.html

St Germain, WI Extends Public Hearings on Proposed Lighting Ordinance 
https://www.wxpr.org/politics-government/2024-02-15/st-germain-extends-public-comment-period-on-outdoor-lighting-ordinance-proposal

West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris Wants You to Turns Down the Lights
https://www.bathecho.co.uk/news/community/mayor-locals-businesses-switch-off-light-night-105326/

Chile Forms Volunteer Dark Skies Protection Brigade in Elqui Valley 
https://www.laprensalatina.com/chilean-skies-protected-from-light-pollution-by-the-guardians-of-darkness/

Save Wasatch Back Dark Skies Lawsuit Against Wasatch County Dismissed
https://www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2024-02-21/save-wasatch-back-dark-skies-lawsuit-against-county-dismissed
Hawnby, North Yorkshire Updates Lighting
https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/24119160.hawnby-north-yorkshire-becomes-dark-skies-friendly/

ADSA Recognizes Raytec Fixtures
https://twitter.com/RaytecLED/status/1758158074156581342

DSI Names 4 More Dark Sky Accomodations 
https://biz.crast.net/worlds-first-five-official-dark-sky-resorts-revealed-in-utah-and-arizona/

Yash recently discovered something astounding. Moths fly with their backs to a light because they think it’s the sky and they try to orient themselves to it. And then there’s all kinds of disorientation and trouble for them. Yash touches on the best light for moths in terms of nanometers and placement. You may think they’re just moths but they pollinate an enormous amount of our food. It’s time for the lighting industry to step up and tackle this problem. Yash Sondhi is a postdoctoral researcher working in the Kawahara Lab in the Florida Museum of Natural history. He obtained his PhD at Florida International University in Miami with Dr. Jamie Theobald, studying how moths and butterflies see the world, and specifically how moth eyes and brains adapted to function so well under dim light. He uses multiple techniques (genetics, animal behavior, neuroscience) to examine how different day and night flying insects’ senses (sight, hearing, smell) have evolved. As human civilization develops, artificial light is slowly eroding dark skies with disastrous consequences for animals, plants, and humans. As awareness increases that light pollution is harmful, understanding how different mitigation strategies work is crucial to implement change. Yash is thus studying how light can disorient and alter the circadian activity of insects, and testing strategies to mitigate light pollution. He also contributes to community science and insect biodiversity monitoring in India and Central America. 

Highlights from this episode:
 - DST and Health
 - An Official Statement
 - Prepping for Turtle Season
 - It’s Probably Not Aliens

Sponsored by Evluma
https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle

Headlines and Sources can be found at https://restoringdarkness.com/

Highlights from this episode:
 - Federal Precedents
 - Dark Sky Week 2024
 - Digital Planning
 - International Dark Skies Programs

Sponsored by Evluma
https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Headlines and Sources:

March 23rd was Earth Hour
https://www.dogonews.com/2024/3/20/earth-hour-2024-shines-a-spotlight-on-the-health-of-our-planet

Dark Sky Week is April 2-8
https://lightedmag.com/darksky-international-celebrates-international-dark-sky-week-2024/

PLAN-B Endorses Light Pollution Manifesto
https://plan-b-project.eu/2024/03/13/plan-b-manifesto/

Royal Society: "Changing streetlighting schemes and the ecological availability of darkness"
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2023.0555?fbclid=IwAR0T5WM9AYgSyVxqsekZVQylSfWUjmagUeauPI6kGaONKWRykoTJiDhKJGI

Blue-Yellow Opponency For Circadian Entrainment
https://www.lightnowblog.com/2024/03/alternative-circadian-theory-of-blue-yellow-opponency/

Radiotherapy Results Improve if Matched to Circadian Rhythm
https://www.mdpi.com/2624-5175/6/1/14

Meal Timing linked with Sleep Quality and Anxiety (in Young Adults) 
https://www.mdpi.com/2624-5175/6/1/11

Chronoworking Might Fix Your Sleep
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-news/can-the-rise-of-chronoworking-help-fix-our-sleep

Urban Moths React to Light Pollution By Evolving Smaller Wings
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421950-city-moths-may-have-evolved-smaller-wings-due-to-light-pollution/#Echobox=1710290216

Sleep Deprivation Alters Estrus Cycle (in Rats)
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-56392-9

Federal Court of Appeals: Lighting Bylaws Are Not Religious Discrimination
https://madison.com/news/local/crime-courts/edgewood-high-school-madison-lights-lawsuit/article_22c3938e-e2f7-11ee-9648-1f85f5ed5b8a.html

Gantrisch is Switzerland's First Dark Sky Park
https://darksky.org/news/gantrisch-becomes-first-international-dark-sky-park-in-switzerland/

Lake County, OR is the Largest Dark Sky Sanctuary
https://www.argusobserver.com/valley_life/southern-oregon-s-lake-county-outback-named-world-s-largest-dark-sky-sanctuary/article_9d09f210-dfbd-11ee-9fb0-0f98915c498b.html

Kaikoura, NZ Alters Lighting Rules 
https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/350208724/tougher-lighting-rules-aim-protect-kaikouras-night-sky

Kūaotunu prepares plan for ‘Dark Sky’ status
https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/kuaotunu-prepares-plan-for-dark-sky-status/

The Danish Island of Mandø becomes Denmark’s fourth International Dark Sky Place
https://darksky.org/news/the-danish-island-of-mando-becomes-denmarks-fourth-international-dark-sky-place/

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust in NH Offers Lighting Assessments for Private Homes
https://www.sunjournal.com/2024/03/15/home-lighting-inventories-offered-to-further-rangeleys-dark-sky-certification/

St. Germain, WI Tables Lighting Ordinance Proposal Indefinitely
https://www.wxpr.org/politics-government/2024-03-12/st-germain-lighting-ordinance-tabled-indefinitely

Burnaby, BC Condo Tower Strobe Lights the Neighborhood
https://www.burnabynow.com/local-news/strobe-light-effect-runs-up-and-down-51-storey-burnaby-condo-tower-8473798

Dark Skies Presentation in Newburyport
https://www.newburyportnews.com/news/local_news/dark-skies-presentation-at-first-religious-society/article_1d0d3e56-dfa3-11ee-adbd-ab5af30bacba.html

Connect with Restoring Darkness:
Instagram: @restoringdarkness
Twitter: restoringdrknss
Facebook: restoringdarkness
Linkedin: restoring-darkness
www.restoringdarkness.com

Chip works by the three “Rights” as in “doing the right thing.” The RIGHT amount of light, in the RIGHT location, and on for the RIGHT amount of time. Chip has used this term for decades to help guide his designs and installations from the time of incandescent through to the LED era and everything in between. Chip is also on board with sustainability and responsible outdoor light at night with indirect lighting, dimming, lower Kelvin temperatures, and just plain turning lights off. That’s how to get a softer groove. Chip Israel has been a lighting designer for over 39 years. In 1992, he founded LIGHTING DESIGN ALLIANCE, a full-service architectural lighting design firm, where he built a highly-select team of lighting design professionals who now serve a variety of clients worldwide. As Co-CEO and Founder, Chip works closely with the owner, design team, and manufacturers to ensure lighting systems are fully integrated with the architectural design and enhance the designer’s concepts. Chip is committed to promoting excellence in lighting design through education. As a leading industry spokesman, he has presented technical papers and educational seminars in over seventeen countries and lectured in dozens of universities. Lighting Design Alliance has also been recognized by winning over 300 National and International design awards, including multiple awards for sustainable lighting design. 

Highlights from this episode:
 - ALAN and Stroke
 - DST and Mortality
 - Lamps and Fixtures that Are Not Sponsors
 - New Ordinances

Sponsor:  Evluma  
https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/ 

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Headlines and Sources:

ALAN Increases Risk of Stroke
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STROKEAHA.123.044904

ANSES Recommends Limiting Blue Light Exposure
https://www.anses.fr/en/content/leds-anses%E2%80%99s-recommendations-limiting-exposure-blue-light

DST Does Affect Mortality Rates
https://bmjmedicine.bmj.com/content/3/1/e000771

Low Income, Racialized Neighborhoods in US South Have More Light Pollution
https://www.mdpi.com/2624-5175/6/2/16

Red Lights for Research Labs
https://www.arch-products.com/featured/article/33016026/the-case-for-using-narrow-spectrum-non-filtered-red-led-lighting-in-animal-research-facilities

Panasonic Launches Anti-Glare Anti-Light Pollution LED Flood Lamp
https://re-how.net/699537/

Cree Lighting Debuts Street Lighting Products for 'Visual Comfort' 
https://www.uslightingtrends.com/portfolio/cree-lighting-introduces-guideway-series-street-light-that-delivers-visual-comfort/

 Emerson Offers New Industrial LEDs for Low Light Trespass
https://electricalindustry.ca/product-news/emerson-upgrades-led-industrial-luminaires-to-support-drive-to-lower-energy-requirements-and-minimize-light-pollution/

More Brands Are Offering Turtle-Friendly Tape LEDs
https://www.lightnowblog.com/2024/03/growth-in-turtle-friendly-tape-light/

UK Gov to Research Headlights
https://www.iaaf.co.uk/news/govt-plans-to-independently-research-headlamp-glare/#:~:text=Once%20implemented%2C%20these%20tougher%20requirements,identify%20any%20further%20appropriate%20mitigations.

UT Governor Signs Dark Sky Month Proclamation
https://utahnewsdispatch.com/briefs/utah-governor-names-april-dark-sky-month/

Summit County and Park City, UT Set Lighting Ordinances
https://www.kpcw.org/summit-county/2024-04-04/summit-county-park-city-dark-skies-ordinances-take-full-effect-this-year

Brisbane, CA Begins Work on Lighting Ordinance Compliance
https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/brisbane-woman-hopes-to-bring-back-starry-sky-by-reducing-light-pollution/

Truckee, CA Launches Rebate Program for Responsible Lighting
https://www.sierrasun.com/news/town-of-truckee-urging-residents-to-embrace-the-night-launches-dark-skies-rebate-program/

Marathon, Fl Amends Lighting Ordinance for Trespass Rules
https://keysweekly.com/42/which-lights-are-legal-graphic-illustrates-new-ordinance-in-marathon/ 

Oak Hill Development Threatens DS Status
https://www.kxan.com/investigations/will-oak-hill-project-affect-nearby-dark-sky-community/

Edison County, NJ Sues Over Billboards
https://www.yahoo.com/news/edison-looking-crack-down-billboards-085217744.html

SC Beaches Ready for Turtle Nesting
https://original.newsbreak.com/@explore-beaufort-sc-1602564/3390301419606-sea-turtle-nesting-season-coming-soon-to-south-carolina-beaches

Toronto, ON Begins Lights Out Campaign
https://totimes.ca/city-launches-lights-out-toronto-campaign-to-protect-migratory-birds/

NV to Offer 'Dark Sky' License Plates
https://www.2news.com/news/local/nevadas-new-license-plate-celebrates-dark-skies-conservation/article_755dc4c4-f158-11ee-ad19-1765e6ee14a6.html

GMU Cancels Cricket Pitch Plans
https://www.gazetteleader.com/fairfax/sports/pullback-on-cricket-field-leaves-university-baseball-team-in-limbo-8528201

Connect with Restoring Darkness:
Instagram: @restoringdarkness
Twitter: restoringdrknss
Facebook: restoringdarkness
Linkedin: restoring-darkness
www.restoringdarkness.com

Epidemiology. From the Greek “epi,” meaning “among,” and “demos” meaning “the people.” In modern usage, epidemiology is the study of disease in populations. Professor Edwards uses this term for the “disease” of road traffic accidents. He has done extensive research on this in relation to reduced street lighting, by compiling data from scores of municipalities in Britain and has come to the conclusion that… well you’ll have to listen to the episode. Phil Edwards is a Professor of Epidemiology & Statistics at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, one of the world's leading public health universities. His research has focused on road safety (particularly of pedestrians), and he has used interrupted time series analysis methods to evaluate the effects of 20 mph traffic speed zones on road injuries in London and the effects of reduced street lighting on road casualties and crime in England. Most recently, he has researched construction site injuries in lower income countries, where rapid urbanization requires construction on an unprecedented scale. 

The Darkness News Update is a biweekly series that explores current events in light at night – be it biological research, new developments in lamps, actions by advocates, and changes in policy. This series is sponsored by Evluma.

Highlights from this episode:

• Space Race
• Rat Race
• Flock and Flyways 
• Protests

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Headlines and Sources can be found on restoringdarkness.com

This one isn’t exactly about light pollution, but you’re going to want to hear it anyway. It’s all about 5G. No, not the “5G cell towers are giving you Covid 19” conspiracy, this is about the deleterious effects of radio frequency waves on your health. With the lack of updated standards, and the usual corporate protectionism, this train is full speed ahead unless people like Odette can cut the tracks. Take your phone away from your head! 

Odette Wilkens has been a technology transactional attorney for over 20 years, having represented multi-national corporations in entertainment, finance and technology.  She co-founded Wired Broadband, Inc. (WBI) a non-profit in New York City, and The National Call for Safe Technology, a coalition of over 100 organizations and individuals nationwide.  Both organizations advocate protections for the public by promoting safer telecommunications.   Expanding her efforts in NYC, she founded the NYC Alliance for Safe Technology, a coalition of NYC residents, civic leaders, and community board leaders and members, advocating for the responsible placement of wireless facilities.  In her various roles, she has been promoting the benefits of wired broadband connectivity to bridge the digital divide for the unserved, underserved and disabled communities. 

Connect with Odette: National level: https://thenationalcall.org/ Local level (NYC): https://www.wiredbroadband.org/ www.facebook.com/wiredbroadband linkedin.com/in/odette-j-wilkens-esq-8153a32

The Darkness News Update is a biweekly series that explores current events in light at night – be it biological research, new developments in lamps, actions by advocates, and changes in policy.

Highlights from this episode:

• Self Drive
• Bike Trails
• Beer Run
• Moth Traps

Sponsored by Evluma

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Nearly all animals see light differently than we do. Dr. Seymour endeavors to understand how light drives organismal behavior. To that end, he tries to bridge the gap between astronomers, light engineers and biologists. Each of these camps has elements of tools and measurement models that he thinks could be brought together collaboratively and synergistically to benefit our ecosystem and the study of it.

Dr. Seymoure’s research program is interdisciplinary and combines physiological, histological, and astronomical methods to understand the importance of natural light as well as the consequences of artificial light on animal behavior and ecology of animals. Overall objectives of his research are to: 1) determine how light cycles have driven visual adaptations and predator-prey dynamics; 2) quantify and investigate the myriad effects and consequences of artificial light at night on animals (mostly insects, spiders, and reptiles) from the cellular to landscape level; 3) investigate visual and morphological (e.g. coloration) adaptations that render individuals more evolutionarily successful; 4) develop techniques for quantifying light in a non-human and biologically relevant manner; 5) quantify and monitor insect populations in the Chihuahuan desert; and 6) utilize current biological research to increase learning efficacy in undergraduate courses. To accomplish these objectives, Dr. Seymoure relies upon both field and laboratory work that ranges from electrophysiology of animal eyes, automated video tracking of animal behavior, and predator-prey experiments under natural conditions.

The Darkness News Update is a biweekly series that explores current events in light at night – be it biological research, new developments in lamps, actions by advocates, and changes in policy.

Highlights from this episode:

• Going Back to Court
• New Policies
• Migrations
• Email

Sponsored by Evluma

https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Headlines and sources for this episode can be found on restoringdarkness.com

Patrick is the DarkSky International delegate in the Fargo North Dakota area. Patrick has found that framing the light pollution argument around astronomy, animal life, ecosystems, etc. can cause some audiences to nod off and glaze over. What gets everyone’s attention is “light trespass,” and human health. Lead with that and then people will listen to the other reasons why light pollution is a problem. And of course, there is the one argument that gets EVERYONE’S attention. Turn off your lights and save money! Patrick Sommer has been a lifelong enthusiast for the night sky, space exploration, and in late 2019 translated that enthusiasm into an application to be a delegate for the International Dark-Sky Association, now known as DarkSky International. Representing the organization in the Fargo, North Dakota area, by 2020 he was working social media accounts and as the world moved in and out of COVID restrictions getting in front of local sustainability and astronomy clubs. Additionally, he has represented the night to the now dormant Red River Valley Climate Action Committee and presented information on light pollution to the City of Fargo’s Sustainability and Resiliency Committee and the City of Moorhead’s Streetlight subcommittee. Of late he has been active with Starry Skies North, a conglomerate of Dark Sky enthusiast and activists based in Duluth and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Connect with Patrick: @StarrySkiesND on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-sommer-28926b58/

Connect with The Soft Lights Foundation: https://www.softlights.org 

Beautiful Merrymeeting Bay in Maine, is an important area for wildlife habitat, and for humans. For decades, people have enjoyed a pristine view of the night sky - until the local electrical utility replaced two towers and lit them up, right at the iconic Chops, lighting the area for miles around. Ed and the Friends of Merrymeeting Bay got that changed, but they ended up out of the frying pan and into the fire with an aircraft radar detection system. And the battle continues. On the Friends of Merrymeeting Bay (FOMB) Steering Committee since the winter of 1993, Ed has been Chair since 1996. In this work he has written major grants and initiated projects in the areas of land conservation, research, advocacy, and education. Two projects, Aquatic & Upland Habitat Assessment of Merrymeeting Bay over time utilizing historical and current aerial photography combined with GIS to look at land use and vegetation changes over time; and Caged Bivalve Studies on the Kennebec and Androscoggin to monitor PCBs and dioxins, have been the first projects of their type in the state of Maine and quite successful. A multi-year Circulation Study of the Bay and six tributaries was also a major accomplishment. Most recently FOMB has been on the cutting edge of affordable PFAS sampling. 

Highlights from this episode:

• FDA Denials
• There’s an App for That
• Pauses and Paws at the Border
• Stressed Rodents

Sponsored by Evluma

https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle

Headlines and Sources at restoringdarkness.com

Yep. Our first politician. And she’s on our side. Senator Ellman got Bill SB3501, The Outdoor Lighting Control Act, passed in both houses in Illinois. Senator Ellman will admit she didn’t get everything she wanted in it, but as she says, this is just one step on the path (this IS politics after all). We were impressed with her humility, honesty, and down to earth approach - politician or not. NOTE: There were some video and audio issues with Senator Ellman, but we deemed them not bad enough and the content too good not to release the episode. State Senator Laura Ellman was first elected to serve in the Illinois General Assembly in November of 2018 and re-elected in 2022. Senate District 21 includes parts of Bolingbrook, Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Lisle, Lombard, Naperville, Wheaton and Warrenville. Senator Ellman currently serves on a number of committees, including Agriculture; Appropriations, Chairperson of Environment and Conservation; Vice-Chairperson of Financial Institutions; Transportation and Veterans Affairs. Senator Ellman was the first child to attend college in both her parents’ families. After graduating from Grinnell College with a degree in mathematics, she earned a masters’ degree in applied statistics at the University of Iowa. Professionally, she has more than 25 years of experience working in manufacturing and engineering and dealing with regulations and policies. Senator Ellman currently lives in Naperville with her husband Pete, a musician and small business owner, and they are proud parents of two adult children.

Connect with Senator Ellman: http://senatorlauraellman.com/ https://www.facebook.com/senatorellman/ https://www.instagram.com/statesenatorlauraellman/  

Highlights from this episode:

• Test Cases
• Case Studies
• Waterfronts
• A History Lesson

Sponsored by Evluma

https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Headlines and Sources can be found at RestoringDarkness.com

Highlights from this episode:
 - Regulators
 - Diabetes
 - Florida
 - Ads In Space

Sponsored by  Evluma
https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Headlines and Sources at https://restoringdarkness.com/

One thing leads to another. Jessica’s family's favorite place is Joshua Tree National Park. There she likes to sneak out of the tent at night and look up at the stars. Living in the city and knowing what they’re missing there, she dove deeper into the subject of Light pollution. That brought her to FLAP Canada and discovering that the Lights Out movement really started there. Not only that, it was children and teachers that brought it to light. And so she thought it fitting to point that out in her book, “Lights Out: A Movement To Help MIgrating Birds.”

Jessica Stremer is an award-winning children’s author who combines her love of science and writing to create books that inspire kids to explore and think critically about the world around them. Her other titles include GREAT CARRIER REEF (a Cook Prize Silver Medalist and NY Public Library Best Book of the Year), FIRE ESCAPE: How Animals and Plants Survive Wildfires (a JLG Gold Standard selection), PLIGHT OF THE PELICAN: How Science Saved a Species, TRAPPED IN THE TAR PIT, and WONDERFULLY WILD. Jessica obtained a B.S. in Biology, with an emphasis in Ecology, from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. She was a recipient of the 2023 Stephen Fraser Encouragement Award and 2023 finalist for the Russel Freedman award. When not writing you can find Jessica cheering from the sideline of her kids’ soccer games, spending time outdoors, and planning her next family adventure. Find Jessica's book here.

Awareness. That is what light pollution needs. Awareness on the part of the consumer and the supplier. Tim Ryan is a landscape lighting designer who is aware of light pollution. A good designer is not looking for the brightest LED. It’s about nuance, balance, layering, and texture. As Tim says, “a little bit of light goes a long way.” Tim is The Lighthouse Group executive director, one of the principal lighting designers for the Lighthouse Design Studio and the professional photographer documenting all of the finished projects for our group. He has been on this “lighting ride” for 27 years, starting with integrated lighting into his landscape designs from the very beginning and 5 years later moving into the outdoor lighting business solely after falling in love with the mood, magic and totally new perspective that the illuminated garden space provides. He’s been with Lighthouse since 2015 and is passionate about educating the next generation of outdoor lighting designers for the future of this art. 

Highlights from this episode:
 - SoftLights’ New Petition
 - Health Standards
 - Bridges
 - The Arctic Circle

Sponsored by  @evlumaledlighting3712  
https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Headlines and Sources:
Soft Lights Petitions EPA for LED Regs
https://www.softlights.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Compliance-with-21-USC-360ii.pdf?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR18ItOkmrEND-jgmB4Mgy2uX9oTVQb-9ViQjAemvDxgVJ5iCnwlTg7We-o_aem_DJmw1bjhudlpE5Z3z_Azhw

Fitwel Healthy Buildings Standard Alters Lighting Reqs
https://www.lightnowblog.com/2024/07/lighting-changes-in-the-fitwel-healthy-building-standard-v3/

DSI to Collab with LUCI
https://darksky.org/news/illuminating-the-path-to-sustainable-cities/

DLC Surveys on Lighting Bylaws
https://www.ecmweb.com/lighting-control/article/55122198/outdoor-lighting-bylaws-and-ordinances-quiz

New Call to Improve Sleep Quality in Children's Hospitals
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00431-024-05660-x

Eindhoven U Proposes Treatment for DST Lag
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-65705-x#Sec2

LPTMM in Altmunster
https://x.com/andhaenel/status/1812970416274874493

Øvre Pasvik National Park is Norway's First Dark Sky Park
https://darksky.org/news/first-international-dark-sky-park-designated-in-norway/


Warrumbungle National Park May Be Australia's First Urban Night Sky Park
https://www.pittwateronlinenews.com/Australia-First-Urban-Night-Sky-Park-May-be-HERE.php

Balancing Decorative Lighting and Ecology on the Samuel de Champlain Bridge
https://www.arch-products.com/architectural-lighting/article/55092807/creating-a-nighttime-presence

Longthorpe Footbridge over the A47 road in the UK Picks 1800K LEDs
https://designinglightingglobal.com/longthorpe-footbridge-illuminated-with-innovative-1800k-led-technology/

Great Neck, NY LED Injunction Moves Forward
https://islandnow.net/new-documents-filed-in-great-neck-led-lighting-case/

And then the Great Neck, NY Board of Trustees Pass Bond to Buy More LEDs
https://islandnow.net/village-great-neck-passes-just-case-led-bond-resolution/

Phoenix, AZ Offers Business Owners Free CPTED Advice
https://hoodline.com/2024/07/new-online-cpted-guide-equips-phoenix-business-owners-with-crime-prevention-strategies/

Brunswick County, NC Goes Amber on Beaches for the Turtles
https://article.wn.com/view/2024/07/11/How_a_Brunswick_beach_town_is_lighting_the_way_to_protect_se/

Ocracoke, NC Explains Darkness to Tourists
https://coastalreview.org/2024/07/ocracoke-visitors-share-their-success-in-dimming-the-lights/

Traverse City, MI School Has Not Complied with the Terms of a Civil Lawsuit over Light Trespass
https://www.yahoo.com/news/hearing-school-lights-case-set-123300410.html

VA DoT Holds Public Hearing on Lighting Near Afton Mountain
https://www.yahoo.com/news/hearing-school-lights-case-set-123300410.html

Pittsburgh Man Invents Self-Tinting Windshield
https://www.lelezard.com/en/news-21447429.html

Light should radiate outwards. That is Mark’s and the Soft Lights Foundation’s contention. LED’s by their nature radiate inwards, more like a laser than a traditional light source. As Mark says, is that really how we should be illuminating our living rooms and streets? Visit the Soft Lights Foundation (softlights.org)

Highlights from this episode:
 - Orbital Debris
 - TV Before Bed
 - Hurricane Recovery
 - Local Debates

Sponsored by Evluma
https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle

Headlines and Sources can be found at www.RestoringDarkness.com

Nick raises a good point: We all know some lighting designers, but how many lighting planners do you know? These people think differently about the context of lighting - transportation safety, environment, and the impact on livability and the quality of life that outdoor light at night will have on us. Are we stuck with 4000k LED street lighting? Can we turn this ship around? Nick Mesler is a Director at Evari Consulting, where he takes a data-driven approach to achieving positive street lighting design, livable communities, and active transportation outcomes. Nick considers himself a “plangineer” and prides himself in understanding both the big picture forethought and honest realities of implementation necessary to bring successful projects to life. Nick specializes in transportation safety, with a background in mobility planning and transportation operations. Nick has worked on large street lighting projects across the United States. Nick is a registered Civil Engineering PE in Oregon and Washington and a registered Traffic Engineer in California. He frequently presents and participates in events through the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), and the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP). He is a member of the IES Outdoor Nighttime Environment Committee and the IES Roadway Lighting Committee. Nick is regarded as an authority on lighting for transportation safety. 

Highlights from this episode:

• Some Recognition from Part of the Federal Government
• Leaves are Too Tough to Chew
• Circadian Rhythms, Meals, and Medicine
• Win Some / Lose Some at the State Level

Sponsored by Evluma

https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Headlines and Sources can be found at www.restoringdarkness.com

In John’s case, bad lighting literally makes him sick. John has photophobia, which is a bit of a misnomer. He’s not afraid of light like someone is afraid of heights. Bright, artificial light gives him intense headaches, feelings of sickness and can bother his eyes so much that he can’t keep them open. Grade school was a challenge for him as he just couldn't concentrate. The next time you see a kid in school fidgeting and disrupting, consider how the lights might be impacting him. John is from Vancouver British Columbia, growing up there and in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and now lives in Davis, California. He has been a reservoir oil engineer and a water resources control engineer. He is retired and now writes and records music for film and TV. 

Highlights from this episode:

• New Research
• Flying South
• NIMBYism
• Rules for Rules

Sponsored by Evluma

https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Headlines and Sources can be found at RestoringDarkness.com

We’ve all experienced a camera flash that leaves us blind for a couple of seconds. Now imagine that happening every time some LED headlights hit your eyes from cars on the freeway. And you’re going 60 MPH.That’s what happens to Johanna Wilson. Ironically, emergency lights are the worst of all! It’s so bad that she cannot drive at night. Let’s get these LED lights off the road! (https://www.facebook.com/p/Petition-to-ban-LED-headlights-100066336797916) Johanna Wilson is a seasoned business management professional with focuses in business administration, operations, and regulatory affairs. She is also deeply committed to her community, regularly volunteering for organizations in women’s leadership and human trafficking prevention. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and boxer-lab mix, Kingsley. 

Highlights from this episode:

• Counting Birds
• Hazy Memories
• Court Decisions
• Parrotheads v Turtle Nests

Sponsored by Evluma

https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Headlines and Sources can be found at restoringdarkness.com

If you’ve driven in the country and experienced a car coming at you with their high-beams on, you sort of know what Michael Evenson experiences. Regular low-beam LED headlights are so bad for him that, wherever he is on the road, he has to stop until the “terror brightness” passes. Michael points out that we should look at Europe where headlights must be shielded or aimed to point only on the road. Why can’t we do that here?

Born in 1945 at the head of the Boomer Generation which meant that anything Michael was interested in became a fashion for much of the country.  He got a liberal arts degree from UC Berkeley, and headed for the hills to carve out a life with other community building individuals, raising children, and preserving environmental health. He turned to farming and ranching, and has owned the Lost Coast Ranch, from the late 60s to the present.  He is the owner and founder, in 1986, of OldGrowthTimbers.com specializing in dismantling old buildings to salvage the precious old redwood, while routinely trucking lumber and livestock on the back roads and highways of California.  He is the long time President of the Mattole Salmon Group, spending a lifetime restoring salmon to the Mattole River.

The Darkness News Update is a biweekly series that explores current events in light at night – be it biological research, new developments in lamps, actions by advocates, or changes in policy.

Highlights from this episode:

• Soft Lights Keeps the Litigious Ball Rolling
• Lighting for Parks
• Fall Migrations
• Under the Sea

Sponsored by Evluma

https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle

Full Links and Show Notes at https://restoringdarkness.com/

Louis the XIV made Paris the first city to be lit at night and now, ironically, it seems France may be the leader in mitigating light pollution. David tells us about France’s law that shops must turn off their lights after the store is closed. Of course we have local ordinances in North America for that, but France seems to be better at enforcing the law. David contends that our cultures’ fear of night and the dark is Alfred Hitchcock’s fault. David is a French engineer, musician, amateur astronomer, and motorcycle enthusiast who speaks 3 languages and has worked in cybersecurity. He discovered the light pollution phenomenon 5 years ago, and is now acting to make people aware of this problem, and to fight it. David maintains that the difficulty is that people do not care, because they are not informed. 

Highlights from this episode:
 - A Hotel in Maui
 - Responsible Astrotourism
 - Nevada
 - Vote Against Light Pollution

Sponsored by Evluma
https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle

Headlines and Sources can be found at www.restoringdarkness.com

We invited Dan onto Restoring Darkness to discuss wallpacks, those glaring lights you see on the sides of commercial and industrial buildings that seem to point straight into your eyes when you're driving on the road or walking on the sidewalk. As these lights are purportedly for safety and security, the conversation morphed into a discussion about the need for light at night. Dan points out that there is light needed for safely walking down the sidewalk, light to feel safe and secure, and light to know where you are. There are many nuances to solving this, but as Dan points out, we can at least start with the glare from wallpacks. Dan Weissman, AIA, IALD, IES is an award-winning Architectural Lighting Designer, researcher, and craftsman specializing in sustainable design and digital technologies. As Associate Principal and Director of Lam Labs at Lam Partners, he collaborates on innovative projects and engages with leading academics to advance the field. Dan serves as Chair of the IES Daylighting Committee, is an active member of the IES Sustainable Design committee and Solemma’s Climate Studio Product Advisory Group, and sits on the Board of Directors of the Flint Collective. He periodically teaches at Harvard Graduate School of Design, and is a frequent guest lecturer nationally and internationally. An avid musician and amateur luthier of mandolin-family instruments, Dan also tends a garden, and two children along with his artist wife Lanie, and bakes two sourdough loaves a week. 

Highlights from this episode:

• Mortality
• Long COVID
• Meta-Studies
• Globetrotting

Sponsored by Evluma

https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Headlines and Sources on RestoringDarkness.com

Steve Mariconda became so passionate about light pollution that he decided to make it the subject of this master's thesis! In his research, he learned about its real impact on human health. Mark Baker suggests that we use the word “carcinogen” when referring to light pollution. That’ll perk up officials’ ears! Steve Mariconda lives in Bergen County, New Jersey, about 10 miles from NYC. He is finishing his master's degree in public health at Rutgers University. His final thesis is on indoor and outdoor artificial light at night (ALAN) and its impact on human health and safety. He is a DarkSky International Delegate, one of three in New Jersey, and a member of the DarkSky New Jersey Chapter. He currently make a living as a nursing home musical entertainer. 

The Darkness News Update is a biweekly series that explores current events in light at night – be it biological research, new developments in lamps, actions by advocates, or changes in policy.

Highlights from this episode:

• Headlights
• The UK
• Templates
• New Red Light District

Sponsored by Evluma

https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Headlines and Sources can be found at RestoringDarkness.com

Bill hosts the Light Pollution News Podcast. Some might see that as competition to the Restoring Darkness Podcast. We don’t see it that way. The more awareness brought to the issue of light pollution, the better. Let’s ALL make podcasts about the subject! Bill McGeeney is the host of the Light Pollution News podcast. He’s a dark sky advocate, member of the Pennsylvania chapter of Dark Sky International, a master watershed steward, and a Mid-East Region of the Astronomical League Representative. McGeeney started Light Pollution News to further explore topics associated with the environmental and ecological plight. The show aims to present an open and fair platform to discuss and evaluate topics in the news each month as they pertain to light pollution. The goal is to further build conversation, education, and awareness of light pollution. 

Highlights from this episode:
 - Sleep Studies
 - Health Effects of ALAN
 - Bird Boosters
 - DSI Awards

Sponsored by Evluma
https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle

Headlines and Sources can be found at restoringdarkness.com

Mark Baker contends that the Department of Energy committed fraud by not following Congress’s instructions. Is the LED bulb really a replacement for the incandescent bulb? Or is it totally different, unsafe, hazardous and dangerous?

Mark Baker is the President of The Soft Light Foundation, a non-profit organization that advocates for the protection of people and the environment from the harms of visible radiation emitted by products that use Light Emitting Diodes. Mark is the primary author of a primer on the differences between a curved surface emitter and a flat surface emitter.  His co-authors include subject matter experts in the fields of physics, engineering, medicine, and light pollution.

Highlights from this episode:

• Insomnia Connections
• Expanding Regulations
• Overriding Objections
• Small Towns and Big Views

Sponsored by Evluma

https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Headlines and Sources can be found at RestoringDarkness.com

Sasha’s eyes were ruined by laser surgery in 2011, and she launched My Beautiful Eyes Foundation in January 2012. Since then, as a patient advocate, she has advised and represented thousands of people, the majority like her, irreparably damaged by refractive eye surgery, laser and lens. Sasha has worked closely with John McDonnell MP, actively campaigning for government regulation of the UK refractive surgery industry, doing her utmost to publicise the serious risks of these unnecessary and frequently debilitating operations, and to expose the corruption within the industry - at every level.

Connect with Sasha:
 
To donate: https://fundrazr.com/sasharodoy

http://linkedin.com/in/sasha-rodoy-35b12596
facebook.com/SashaRodoyMBEF
twitter.com/MBEFCampaign
http://www.mybeautifuleyes.co.uk/

Highlights from this episode:

• Maps
• Parks
• Dim Winters in the UK
• Holiday Complaints

Sponsored by Evluma

https://evluma.com/dark-sky-friendly-lighting/

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Headlines and Sources can be found at RestoringDarkness.com

Andy Deprato is a med student that’s already co-authored two research papers, with a third on the way. His meta-studies have correlated light pollution with seasonal allergies, asthma, a few different cancers and (once the third paper clears peer review) a number of mental health issues.
In this interview we discuss: which came first; light or health, how metastudies work, health and how it interacts with light and sleep and what he plans to do next with his career.

Andy Deprato is a second-year medical student at McMaster University's Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. He previously completed a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree at the University of Alberta, where he began his research investigating the influence of artificial light at night on health outcomes. He has published on the influence of light at night on allergic diseases and been involved in projects assessing the potential role of artificial light at night with cancer and mental health outcomes through this work. Andy is also involved in research in public health, surgery, and patient accessibility and enjoys a range of sports and outdoor activities.

Check out the RD merch store

Follow Andy Deprato on
Google Scholar
or
ResearchGate

Connect with The Soft Lights Foundation:
www.softlights.org

Connect with Restoring Darkness:
Instagram: @restoringdarkness
Twitter: restoringdrknss
Facebook: restoringdarkness
Linkedin: restoring-darkness
www.restoringdarkness.com

This is one of the more mind-blowing episodes we’ve recorded. So much we hadn’t heard about before. Light pollution at night suppresses melatonin and can lead to cancer and the lighting industry deep state tried to intimidate and silence Dr Motta in 2016. That’s just the tip of the information iceberg that Dr. Motta reveals. Blue light is great during the day, but stay away from 469 - 489 nanometers at night. Dr. Motta had been in practice at North Shore Medical Center in Salem, Massachusetts, since 1983, recently retiring in 2022. He is a graduate of Boston College, with a BS in physics and biology, and of Tufts Medical School. He is board certified in Internal medicine and Cardiology, and is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, and of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology. He is an associate professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Motta has long been active in organized medicine, both in the American Medical Association (AMA) and in the Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS), holding a number of posts through the years. He is a past President of the MMS. He was elected and served 8 years on the AMA council of Science and Public Health, and then was elected to the Board of Trustees of the AMA in 2018, recently completing his term. In May of 2023 at its annual meeting, the MMS awarded Dr Motta its highest honor, the “Award for Distinguished Service.” Dr Motta also has a lifelong interest in astronomy, and has hand built a number of telescopes and observatories through the years to do astronomical research, including his entirely homemade 32 inch F6 relay telescope located in Gloucester, MA. He has been awarded several national awards in astronomy, including the Las Cumbras award from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific in 2003, and also the Walter Scott Houston award from the northeast section of the Astronomical League, and in 2017 the Henry Olcott Award from the American Association of Variable star Observers (AAVSO). He has served as a president of the ATM’s of Boston, and has served as a council member of the AAVSO, and is a past president as well. He has also served on the Board of the IDA. He has worked on light pollution issues, and published several white papers on LP as a member of the AMA council of science and public health. He served on a UN committee (COPUOS) representing the AMA on light pollution for a worldwide effort to control LP and satellite proliferation. Finally, several years ago the International Astronomical Union awarded Dr Motta an asteroid in part for his work on light pollution as well as amateur research, asteroid 133537MarioMotta. 

Highlights from this episode:

• Worldwide Campaigns
• NSF Grants
• Meta Studies
• Soft Lights Contra Connecticut

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Headlines and Sources can be found at www.RestoringDarkness.com

Michael identifies five of the seven deadly sins—gluttony, greed, pride, wrath, and sloth—as fundamental causes behind the growing light pollution epidemic. Gluttony manifests in our excessive and often wasteful use of electric light at night, far beyond what is necessary. Greed drives industries to prioritize profit over sustainable practices, accelerating the adoption of LED lighting and using utility ratepayers and driving up the cost of electricity. Pride fuels the desire to showcase power, wealth, or status through grand, illuminated displays, often without consideration for their consequences. Wrath is reflected in the aggressive rejection of criticism or calls for restraint, with some viewing efforts to reduce light pollution as an attack on the industry. Finally, sloth plays a role in our collective unwillingness to change habits or adopt more thoughtful lighting practices, even when the tools and knowledge to make better choices are readily available. This combination of human tendencies has led to a world where electric light dominates the night, often at great cost to ecosystems, human health, and the beauty of the natural world. 

Highlights from this episode:

• Made in the Shade
• Threats to Chilean Observatories
• Fossil Fuels
• Mending Fences

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/

Headlines and Sources are available at www.RestoringDarkness.com

Philip was recently on Get a Grip on Lighting, Episode 381, (getagriponlighting.com/episode-381-induction-dont-call-it-a-comeback-philip-gotthelf), making him one of our few cross-over guests. His company, Tesla Induction Lighting makes Dark Sky compliant induction light fixtures and lamps. That means, no flicker, little glare, recoverable mercury, and long-lasting bulbs. If you want the turtles to head out to the sea instead of up to the road, Philip claims his bulbs are the only proven white light fixtures that will not distract them. Michael asks, “Does the lighting industry have any idea what it's doing?” Philip answers him directly… Philip Gotthelf is a world renowned authority on energy markets and technologies. His expertise dates back to the original formation of energy futures markets in the 1970s where he worked directly with the New York Mercantile Exchange to popularize their crude oil and #2 heating oil contracts. In response to the first Earth Day on April 22nd, 1970, Philip Gotthelf became a crusader against the “Five Ps;” the pollution targets of 1) air, 2) water, 3) soil, 4) light, and 5) noise. In 1982, he revived Nikola Tesla’s magnetic induction light (MIL) to achieve energy efficiency and longevity while reducing light pollution and protecting soil and water from dispersed mercury contained in fluorescent bulbs. In 2007, he created a line of modernized MIL under Ultra-Tech Lighting™ which is now operating as Tesla Induction Lighting Co. in deference to Nikola Tesla who invented the technology. His design objectives included minimizing glare and light pollution to achieve Dark Sky compliance without sacrificing visual acuity, creating quiet drivers (ballasts) to address noise pollution such as the 20,000 cycle harmonic that can disturb bats and canines, encapsulating mercury to render it environmentally inert, eliminating high-frequency flicker to eliminate dangers of strobe migraines or even epilepsy, and developing precise spectral tuning to provide the correct wavelengths for specific applications. Tesla Induction Lighting has the only proven “white light” fixture that does not distract sea turtles like the Green and Loggerhead. His Snow-Bright™ brand has been approved as Dark Sky compliant by the Grand Teton Environmental Commission and the University of Wyoming infrared observatory. Philip Gotthelf has been an active environmentalist for more than half a century. 

Highlights from this episode:
 - Lucky 13 State Parks in CO
 - Maritime Issues
 - Street Lighting Across Europe
 - A Bigger Trump Sign

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle

Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/

Headlines and Sources can be found at www.RestoringDarkness.com

Sasha is back and she’s fightin’ mad! She’s still battling the refractive eye surgery industry, and because of the damage her eyes experienced from that, LED street lights are a problem for her. So now she is battling her local council to fix the terrible LED street lighting in her borough–not just for her, but for everyone who is negatively affected.

Sasha’s eyes were ruined by laser surgery in 2011, and she launched My Beautiful Eyes Foundation in January 2012.

Since then, as a patient advocate, she has advised and represented thousands of people, the majority like her, irreparably damaged by refractive eye surgery, laser and lens.

Sasha has worked closely with John McDonnell MP, actively campaigning for government regulation of the UK refractive surgery industry, doing her utmost to publicise the serious risks of these unnecessary and frequently debilitating operations, and to expose the corruption within the industry - at every level.

Connect with Sasha:
http://linkedin.com/in/sasha-rodoy-35b12596 facebook.com/SashaRodoyMBEF
twitter.com/MBEFCampaign
http://www.mybeautifuleyes.co.uk/

Connect with The Soft Lights Foundation: www.softlights.org

They say, “You can’t fight city hall.” Well, young David Calhoun is. In the small town of Vernonia Oregon, David is on a quest to reduce light pollution in and around the town. His focus so far has been on the main street, where they have switched to 5000K LED’s. Even from his home in the woods 3 miles out of town he can see the sky glow growing. Once David becomes a state senator, which Michael Colligan is sure will happen one day, he can take the fight state-wide and save ALL of Oregon from Light Pollution!

Michael Calhoun is an environmental activist from Vernonia Oregon. He currently is Board Chair of the Columbia Soil & Water Conservation District.

Highlights from this episode:

• Manipulating a Groundhog’s Day
• Weight Loss
• Interpreting of ALAN
• Getting Down Under the Sea

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/

Headlines and Sources can be found at www.RestoringDarkness.com

The Bay Bridge in San Francisco got new lights–high Kelvin, high bright LED lights–lighting up the water all around it. You know we have had many guests on this podcast that have established the harm that bright, high kelvin, blue-rich light causes on humans and the environment. Has no one from this project watched The Restoring Darkness Podcast?

Michael Colligan owns a lighting distribution business in Toronto Canada. He is also the co-host, creator and executive producer of the Get a Grip on Lighting Podcast (getagriponlighting.com), and the Restoring Darkness Podcast (restoringdarkness.com), and the co-creator and executive producer of the Lighting Controls Podcast (lightingcontrolspodcast.com).

Connect with Michael: linkedin.com/in/michael-colligan-64380016

Connect with The Soft Lights Foundation: www.softlights.org

Do we have a right to night? Dana thinks so. We also have a right to health and there is more and more evidence that light at night can be detrimental to our health, and to the environment. Dana applies her legal expertise to her books, articles, essays, and speaking engagements to change people's ideas around the environment and light pollution. Dana Zartner is a teacher, lawyer and writer whose work centers on the use of international, and comparative law as tools for social justice advocacy with an emphasis on environmental justice, the right to a healthy environment, Indigenous rights, sustainable development, and the rights of Nature. A professor at the University of San Francisco, she has published numerous articles and essays on these topics, including the recent "The Right to the Night: New Legal Advocacy Strategies to Address Terrestrial Light Pollution" in Environs. She also has a book coming out with Island Press on March 4, 2025 entitled Standing for Nature: Legal Strategies for Environmental Justice, which examines existing rights of Nature laws around the world with an eye to cresting legal advocacy strategies for future endeavors. In addition to her academic work, Dana has served as an accredited representative at various UN meetings, including the Committee on Women’s Rights in New York and the Expert Mechanisms on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Geneva. She has also done pro bono work with the One Million Tree campaign in Cambodia and in support of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band's efforts to protect their traditional lands in Santa Clara County. Outside of her day job, Dana enjoys the natural beauty of Northern California, writes travel essays with an environmental theme, plays with her cats, and is working on a novel.

Connect with Dana: linkedin.com/in/dana-zartner-5a112b102

https://www.facebook.com/dana.zartner

https://www.instagram.com/dana.zartner/
BlueSky: dazart5.bsky.social
Substack: Roaming Wild
Check out Dana's book, Standing for Nature: Legal Strategies for Environmental Justice, with Fabian Cardenas and Mohammad Golam Sarwar (Island Press) https://islandpress.org/books/standing-nature#description
Articles: The Right to the Night: New Legal Advocacy Strategies to Address Terrestrial Light Pollution, Environs: Environmental Law and Policy Journal (2024) The Tangled Web We Weave: Exploring Cambodia through the story of a spider ... a really big spider, Medium (March 26, 2024) Big Oil's day in court is coming - and it's long overdue, The Hill (October 11, 2023) Watching Whanganui and the Lessons of Lake Erie: Effective Realization of Rights of Nature Law, Vermont Journal of Environmental Law (2021) Justice for Juristac: Using International and Comparative Law to Protect Indigenous Lands, Santa Clara Journal of International Law (2020)

Connect with The Soft Lights Foundation: www.softlights.org 

Highlights from this episode:

• Road Trips
• Low Orbit
• Parks
• Highways

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/

Headlines and Sources can be found at RestoringDarkness.com

When’s the last time you spoke at the U.N.? Well, 15 year old Rushil Kukreja has done it. This smart kid is taking action on light pollution. His website, princia.org, is dedicated to “combatting light pollution and preserving the natural beauty of our night skies.” As part of a science fair project, Rushil invented a window that will turn opaque when it senses more light inside the building than outside. If you can’t help fight light pollution, get out of Rushil’s way.

Rushil Kukreja is a junior at TJHSST and the Founder and President of Princia, the only student-run nonprofit dedicated to solving light pollution, leading over 250 advocates across six continents. He has spoken at the United Nations General Assembly, earned a grant from Cornell University, and is working with lawmakers in 8 states, advocating for policy changes to mitigate light pollution’s environmental and health impacts. As an astrophysics researcher and aerospace innovator, Rushil combines scientific expertise with advocacy to drive sustainable lighting solutions worldwide.

Nadine brings us a completely different perspective on the light pollution issue. We in the peaceful, prosperous parts of the world debate how to deal with light pollution, what color temperatures to use, and when to turn it off. There are parts of the world where light is scarce and whether it is 2200k or 5600k, it doesn’t matter. Some people just need light for survival. When missiles are landing and you need to get away from the window, you need to see where to dive on the floor. Nadine has experience in a place where light pollution isn’t on the radar. Nadine Baalbaki, holder of a Master’s Degree in Architecture, commenced her journey in lighting design two decades ago at Hilights, an esteemed lighting design firm in Lebanon renowned for shaping iconic projects across Lebanon and the GCC region. In 2013, she transitioned to Viabizzuno's Dubai office, assuming leadership of the design team and integrating light and architecture to create immersive environments. Amidst the pandemic's challenges, Nadine founded Light the Detail, a social media platform dedicated to raising awareness about lighting and its profound impact on mental and physical well-being. Today, Light The Detail stands as an independent lighting design practice boasting a diverse portfolio spanning commercial, office, landscape, restaurant, and hospitality projects, with a particular focus on high-end residential spaces. Nadine was guest speaker at Light+Intelligent Building Middle East, and took part in several lighting workshops in Dubai. She recently joined The Lighting Police as a core team member, driven by a mission to highlight the significance of proper lighting. Beyond her professional endeavors, Nadine is a mother of two teenagers, constantly seeking the right balance between family and work. Her personal escape? The 3S recipe—Sun, Sand, and Sea—her go-to mental detox. Through her journey in lighting design, Nadine has learned to discern and prioritize what truly matters, shedding light on the essential and finding beauty amidst the shadows.

Connect with Nadine: linkedin.com/in/nadine-baalbaki-b43ba39a

Highlights from this episode:

• Heart Health
• Let’s Talk About Sleep
• Migrations
• Trending Topics

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/

Headlines and Sources can be found at RestoringDarkness.com

Scott Wachter takes a break, from talking about light pollution to explain why the 2003 Sunrise TV anime, Planetes, informs his coverage of space junk on the Darkness News Update.

This review episode is sponsored by Hobbylink Japan

Highlights from this episode:

• New Metric
• Apps
• Bird Safety
• Millinery

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/

Headlines and Sources can be found at www.RestoringDarkness.com