Lights Out
Most people in North America can't see the Milky Way. The reason?\xa0We're ensconced in a luminous fog of artificial lighting 24/7.\xa0The evolution of lighting technology over the last century has made it possible to live, work, and play at any hour - day or night. But light pollution affects all life on earth,\xa0from humans to plants and insects. So, how did we find ourselves surrounded by a glowing shroud of electricity... and can we have the dark, without giving up the light?
\n\nGuests:\xa0
\n\nHal Wallace, curator of electricity collections at the Smithsonian\u2019s National Museum of American History\xa0
\nLisbeth Fuisz,\xa0coordinating director, Lights Out D.C.\xa0
\nBrian Schmidt, museum specialist, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History\xa0
\nDiane Turnshek, Astronomer;\xa0Dark Skies Advocate
This episode was produced in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History's exhibition: Lights Out: Recovering Our Night Sky.\xa0Through over 100 photographs, nearly 250 objects, interactive experiences, tactile models, and a theater program, discover why dark nights matter, rekindle your connection with the night sky, and consider how much light at night is enough\u2014for whom, for what purpose, and who gets to decide?
\n\nLights Out: Recovering Our Night Sky is open March 23, 2023 - TBA.\xa0