Sky science
Light Pollution
Direct answer
Light Pollution is human-made alteration of natural nighttime light, including skyglow that reduces contrast and hides faint stars and other celestial objects.
Light Pollution is artificial nighttime light that brightens the sky and obscures celestial objects.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Related
- Astronomy, Skywatching, Celestial Sphere, Ecliptic
Light Pollution is artificial nighttime light that brightens the sky and obscures celestial objects.
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The story behind Light Pollution
Artificial sky brightness expanded with widespread electric outdoor lighting and is now measured from the ground and by satellites.
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How the moving planets were watched, named and found, and what a transit is.
Why Light Pollution matters
Light pollution changes what an almanac reader can actually observe and affects the value of naked-eye visibility claims.
Light Pollution in practice: an example
The Milky Way may be visible from a dark rural site but absent under urban skyglow on the same clear night.
Where readings of Light Pollution go wrong
A common error is to blame a single lamp or community without measurement, and distinguish artificial skyglow from Moon light or atmospheric haze.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- NASA Science: How Can You Help Curb Light Pollution? - NASA skywatching guidance on artificial sky brightness and observing conditions.
- NASA Science: Skywatching FAQ - NASA guidance on observing stars, planets, constellations, and the changing night sky.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
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Common questions
What is Light Pollution?
Light Pollution is human-made alteration of natural nighttime light, including skyglow that reduces contrast and hides faint stars and other celestial objects.
What do people get wrong about Light Pollution?
A common error is to blame a single lamp or community without measurement, and distinguish artificial skyglow from Moon light or atmospheric haze.
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