PODCAST

Restoring Darkness

Scott Wachter

News and interviews related to the reduction of light pollution.Currently on hiatus.

science nature

All Episodes

55:41

Episode 34: Does Light Pollution Drive Disease...

Restoring Darkness ·

2021/12/08

Dr. Meredith Kernbach is a postdoctoral scholar at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg in the lab of Dr. Mya Breitbart. For her doctoral dissertation, she studied how light pollution may affect zoonotic disease dynamics, specifically West Nile virus in House sparrows. Dr. Kernbach has found that even low light levels have allowed sparrows to hold the disease longer which means more mosquitos acquire it. And you can guess what that means for us. Turn off your lights!

62:01

Episode 33: Finding the Sweet Spot with Dr. Andreas...

Restoring Darkness ·

2021/12/01

Dr. Andreas Jechow is an interdisciplinary physicist with a broad expertise in photonics, the science of light. Earlier in his career Andreas worked in laser physics and quantum optics, for example on imaging the "shadow of a single atom" with lasers. In 2015, Andreas transitioned to environmental sciences where he applies his knowledge of light in research on light pollution. Some of the fascinating studies Andreas is involved in include the impact of light on bats and insects and also on

55:41

Episode 32: Extinction Of Experience with Sam...

Restoring Darkness ·

2021/11/24

Dr. Sam Illingworth is an Associate Professor at Edinburgh Napier University, UK. He is a leading expert in using poetry to develop a dialogue between scientists and non-scientists. Sam write’s books, tweets, blogs, composes poetry, podcasts, creates games and still finds time for running. If you want to engage your left AND right brain, give this episode a listen.

61:14

Episode 31: Preserving Nantucket’s Dark Sky Heritage...

Restoring Darkness ·

2021/11/17

Gail Walker is the founder of Nantucket Lights, an all-volunteer citizen advocacy group recently formed to combat the growing light pollution on Nantucket, the island off the coast of Massachusetts that is a popular summer destination for many. A former litigator for the U.S. Department of Justice, she began working on light pollution issues there after retiring a few years ago. Gail discusses with Jane how she uses her litigation skills to convince people on Nantucket Island to take steps

60:18

Episode 30: Light Pollution Erases Stories with...

Restoring Darkness ·

2021/11/10

Hilding Neilson is an interdisciplinary scientist currently working with the David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Toronto and is Mi’kmaw from the Qalipu First Nation band. Hilding is working at the intersection of science, astronomy and Indigenous knowledge. He tells us some fascinating Indigenous stories about the constellations, and how many more have been lost and overshadowed over time by what he refers to as “Astro-colonialism.” Hilding also

59:54

Episode 29: Half the Park Is After Dark with Dr....

Restoring Darkness ·

2021/10/28

Dr. Tyler Nordgren is an artist, author, astronomer, and night sky ambassador. He holds a Ph.D. in Astronomy from Cornell University where he did work on dark matter as well as a B.A. in Physics from Reed College. In this episode, we discuss the role of his artwork in public education about the night skies, how inhabiting Mars is a longshot with questionable benefits, and you won't want to miss Tyler's description of solar eclipses and why they are so important for humanity.

61:41

Episode 28: The Weird Eyes Of Animals with Megan...

Restoring Darkness ·

2021/10/27

Megan Porter PhD is an Associate Professor in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Her research program is focused on understanding the evolution of animal eye diversity, particularly from a molecular perspective. In this episode, Megan tells us about the vastly different vision perceptions that animals have from humans and the massive impact light pollution has on their vision. Wait till you hear about the Mantis Shrimp.

64:26

Episode 27: Astronomy Reduces Human Arrogance with...

Restoring Darkness ·

2021/10/20

Douglas Arion, PhD is the founder and director of Mountains of Stars, a public science outreach and education program that engages the public with ‘environmental awareness from a cosmic perspective’. In this episode, Douglas logically explains why all other living creatures are equal to humans. He warns us of the pitfalls of the plethora of satellites that are going to be orbiting earth. And you’re going to want to order the Galileoscope, a VERY affordable telescope that Douglas helped

67:22

Episode 26: The Secret World Beneath The Ocean with...

Restoring Darkness ·

2021/10/13

Dr. Micah Brodsky is a wildlife veterinarian who focuses on marine animal medicine, research, and conservation and is the Director of Conservation Medicine at Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response and a lecturer at the University of Hawaiʻi. Dr. Brodsky tells us about the dire consequences of light pollution on Wedgetail Shearwater birds, sea turtles and Monk Seals, to name a few, in Hawai’i. As he says, it’s not Disney out there!

62:38

Episode 25: Eclipse Chasing On Planes with Kelly Beatty

Restoring Darkness ·

2021/10/06

Kelly Beatty has been explaining the science and wonder of astronomy to the public since 1974. An award-winning writer and communicator, he specializes in planetary science and space exploration as Senior Editor for Sky & Telescope magazine. Kelly talks about the lack of blue light detection in most satellites leading to under-reported levels of light pollution, and he touches on the ongoing bug apocalypse. And you’re not going to want to miss the next eclipse after you hear about his

65:34

Episode 24: Solving Light Pollution at the Speed of...

Restoring Darkness ·

2021/09/30

Bettymaya Foott works for the International Dark-Sky Association as Director of Engagement. Preserving dark skies is her life goal and she finds that astrophotography is the most poignant way to express a love for the night, as well as educate about the impacts of light pollution. If you want to take some great photos of the night sky, listen to Bettymaya here for some of the best places to go and amazing tips and tricks for astrophotography.

61:21

Episode 23: Every Light Matters with Ashley Wilson

Restoring Darkness ·

2021/09/22

Ashley is the Director of Conservation for the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) where she collaborates with advocates and volunteers around the world to help them promote effective uses of outdoor lighting and protect pristine dark skies. Ashley tells us about her work in dark sky awareness and education through the lens of Sensory Ecology. And listen to her great plumbing analogy for wasting light.

75:24

Episode 22: Our Fear of the Dark is Learned with...

Restoring Darkness ·

2021/09/15

Dr. Fischer operates The Zoological Lighting Institute, a 501 c(3) dedicated to supporting the sciences of light and life through the arts for animal welfare and wildlife conservation. This one is broad ranging. What are the five domains of animal welfare? What is a ZALA station? And why should banks become bird friendly? To find out, give this episode a listen.

15:13

Episode 21: Acceptance Comes With Understanding with...

Restoring Darkness ·

2021/09/09

Samyukta is an advocate with the International Dark Sky Association, and a member of their International Committee. She currently works in Slovenia, designing experiences to help people connect with darkness and the night sky. Have you ever heard of Forest Bathing? Well Samyukta can design a dark sky experience where you can go “Star Bathing.” Give this a listen and you’ll learn about “archeoastronomy” and “ethnoastronomy.”

64:17

Episode 20: Dreams Are Your Free Therapy with Peter...

Restoring Darkness ·

2021/09/08

If you were fascinated with the previous episode with Peter, listen to this one. He’s an expert in the field of human perception, but when you’re talking about bringing back the night sky, you’re bound to go into weird and wonderful areas of conversation. This episode touches on flotation tanks, meditation and lucid dreaming. The hour will fly by.

68:00

Episode 19: Our Approach To Lighting Is Not Evidence...

Restoring Darkness ·

2021/08/18

Dr. Rajaram Bhagavathula is a Senior Research Associate in the Division of Vehicle, Driver, & System Safety at Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. Dr. Bhagavathula has conducted some fascinating studies on the effects of light on drivers. He talks about the effects of glare and light bands on driver behaviour, the hypnotic effect, the moth effect, dashboard lights… you'll never drive the same again.

69:26

Episode 18: Starving for Scotobiology with Robert Dick

Restoring Darkness ·

2021/08/11

Robert is the founder and CEO of the Canadian Scotobiology Group Inc. that raises awareness of the impact of artificial light at night (ALAN) on wildlife and human health. Robert talks about “Eco Lights,” how much light you actually need in order to read, the shelf life of hormones and many other fascinating darkness related topics. He even references the Moody Blues.

70:40

Episode 17: Confusion in Perception with Peter Veto PhD

Restoring Darkness ·

2021/07/28

Peter has a PhD in Psychology studying human perception, action, and the link between them, with over a decade of experience in conducting research in these topics. Blue light, glare bombs, perception, infrared medicine...these are just a few of the fascinating things touched upon. We only scratched the surface with Peter. He’ll be back.

73:27

Episode 16: The Fight Against Light Privilege with...

Restoring Darkness ·

2021/07/21

Andy has been involved in astronomy education and outreach for over 25 years, and in the planetarium field for over 20. Andy tells us about his successful techniques for teaching kids about the night sky. He’s also had some wins in cases involving “light privilege” and just plain ignorance. Inspiring.

56:09

Episode 15: Chipping Away At Municipal Light...

Restoring Darkness ·

2021/07/15

Barry Johnson is the volunteer webmaster for the Pennsylvania Outdoor Lighting Council, as well as a lecturer and consultant on outdoor lighting issues. In his retirement, Barry is a crusader against light trespass and pollution. If you live in Pennsylvania and your neighbor’s flood light illuminates your bedroom wall, give Barry and his fellow POL Council members a call. Contact Barry @ http://www.polcouncil.org/

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Restoring Darkness

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