The Jordan Harbinger Show

1237: Light Pollution | Skeptical Sunday

39 snips
Nov 9, 2025
Jessica Wynn, a writer and researcher on light pollution, dives into the dark side of artificial lighting. She reveals how light pollution obscures the stars and disrupts circadian rhythms, leading to health issues like insomnia and depression. Wildlife, from birds to sea turtles, suffers tremendously due to our bright nights. Jessica advocates for smarter lighting solutions and shares inspiring grassroots efforts to combat this issue. Discover the ecological, cultural, and personal impacts of losing our connection to the night sky!
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INSIGHT

Darkness Has Become Polluted

  • Light pollution is artificial light that goes where it's not needed and causes harm to ecosystems and health.
  • The night sky is brightening 7–10% yearly, erasing stars for most city dwellers.
ANECDOTE

LA Called 911 Over The Milky Way

  • During the 1994 Northridge earthquake, Los Angeles lost power and thousands called 911 after seeing the visible Milky Way for the first time.
  • The blackout revealed how removed many city residents are from natural darkness.
INSIGHT

Light Hacks Your Biological Clock

  • Artificial light disrupts circadian rhythms by suppressing melatonin and tricking the brain into thinking it's daytime.
  • Blue-rich LEDs and screens are especially harmful to sleep, mood, and metabolic health.
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