Citizen scientists are actively tracking light pollution. We talk to Kelly Beatty, an award-winning science journalist, astronomer, and longtime advocate for dark-sky policies

SOMERVILLE, MASS — Light pollution is erasing our night skies—but citizen scientists are stepping up to fight back. Through projects like Globe at Night, everyday people are gathering data to track the rapid brightening of our skies, providing crucial insights for scientists, educators, and policymakers.

CivicSciTV Correspondent Shannon Geary reports from Massachusetts on how citizen scientists are pushing for change through the legislative efforts to regulate light pollution, and shares how educators, researchers, and communities can take action. In her investigation, Geary speaks with Kelly Beatty, an award-winning science journalist, astronomer, and longtime advocate for dark-sky policies, who has been advocating for legislation around dark-sky visibility in Massachusetts for over two decades along with Tim Brothers.

“Even though Massachusetts doesn’t currently have statewide regulation, advocates have managed to get lighting ordinances passed in individual cities and towns,” says Geary.

Geary also highlights the simplicity of getting involved: “You do not need to be a professional astronomer. All you need is access to the internet and a clear view of the sky above you.”

Research confirms the growing problem. A 2023 Science article using citizen science data found that “the night sky is getting about 10% brighter every year,” meaning future generations may lose their view of the stars entirely if trends continue.

Dashboard Links

(1) Emma Yarbrough –    • Kacie Luaders talks to the senior pro…  

(2) Civic Science Funding Index (CSF Index) – https://civicsciencemedia.org/dashboa…

References

(1) Globe at Night Project: https://globeatnight.org/

(2) Citizen scientists report global rapid reductions in the visibility of stars from 2011 to 2022: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/s…

(3) The increase in the surface brightness of the night sky and its importance in visual astronomical observations: https://www.nature.com/articles/s4159…

(4) MA Towns with Outdoor-Lighting Ordinances: https://darkskymass.org/best-practice…

(5) About J. Kelly Beatty – https://skyandtelescope.org/about-us/…

Eileen Tucci

Eileen has a BA in Comparative Literature and Studio Film/Videomaking from Harvard University. She coordinates multiple programs on the CivicSciTV Network, and manages the social media posts, and newsletters.

Shannon Geary

I am a producer for a science radio show and podcast, with over three years of experience in audio production and science journalism. I have a background in biochemistry, journalism, and science communication.