Light Pollution in Lebanon, TN

  Think you're ready to test what you know about light pollution? If so, click this link to take a quiz all about light pollution! For the best score, make sure you visit my other resources including my YouTube video and podcast episode. Both of these resources are linked in my blog post "Blinded by the Light - The Harms of Light Pollution." Click here:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKKqTEEHpLF3g0humwf_nacU2n1EfNcN_rPVYwgHs6Hyzm-A/viewform?usp=publish-editor

What is Light Pollution? According to the United States National Park Service, light pollution is a term that refers to excess artificial light at night (or ALAN) that interferes with elements such as the environment (2025). Light pollution is a growing issue across the United States, including my hometown of Lebanon, Tennessee. Sitting right outside of Nashville, Lebanon has been noted as one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. Lebanon's 2026 light pollution measures at a 7.6 on the Bortle Scale ( Cinzano & Lorenz, 2026). Class 1 on the scale represents the darkest skies, and Class 9 represents the brightest skies, meaning Lebanon rests on the brighter end of the scale.  Figure 1: Light Pollution in Lebanon, TN.  Source:  https://lightpollutionmap.app/?lat=36.208100&lng=-86.291100&zoom=12 Who Does it Affect? Light pollution directly affects numerous plant and animal species in Lebanon. Tennessee is home to 16 species of bats, including the lit...