Most of the electronic parts were home constructed Alex. The auto switches are a fairly simple circuit and the stereo is a salvaged 12v amplifier from an old computer and a CDROM drive, with a small walkman type radio tape/pluged in. The youngster can even plug in her MP3 player and "entertain" the neighbours
Turning off the street lights again at midnight would be an excellent move, but the revenue drive by the power companies isn't going to let it happen. My friend in WA had his observatory made unusable a few years ago by the SEC adding more lights to the street, was told the council asked for them, council denied this. He canvassed his neighbours and it was a surprise to all of them too, no one was consulted. So who did decide to install them ? Don't think he ever found out, and he's an ex MLA so probably got more contacts than most.
Bill