Abstract: A hand held projectile launcher comprises an elongated handle having a gripping portion at a first end and a projectile holding unit at a second end. The projectile holding unit is sized and shaped to releasably receive a projectile. A light source is provided on a surface of the projectile holding unit that contacts or is exposed to the projectile, and a light switch is optionally provided on the gripping portion and is capable of controlling operation of the light source. When the light switch is activated, the light source directs light onto a projectile held in the projectile holding unit. The projectile may include a phosphorescent or similar component so that it becomes luminescent when charged by the light source.