Dictionary term
Skyglow
Direct answer
Skyglow is diffuse night-sky brightness produced by artificial light, airglow, scattered moonlight, and other broad sources.
It is background light that reduces celestial contrast.
It is background light that reduces celestial contrast.
A scientific orientation to scale, light, or motion; the article supplies the precise definition.Quick reference
- Use when
- Identify artificial and natural components instead of treating all glow alike.
- Do not use it for
- A clouded urban sky can be brighter because clouds scatter city light.
- Reference category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Related terms
- Atmospheric Refraction, Airmass, Zodiacal Light, Gegenschein
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The story behind Skyglow
Electric lighting dramatically expanded artificial skyglow around settlements.
Skyglow: fact and faith, kept distinct
This is a factual astronomy reference. It can support wonder at the created order without becoming a claim of fate, worship, or private revelation.
Skyglow in numerology
Skyglow is not a numerology claim. Any numbers attached to it should retain their ordinary scientific, calendrical, navigational, or historical meaning unless a separate symbolic interpretation is clearly labeled.
Why Skyglow matters
It controls which faint objects and structures remain detectable.
Skyglow at work: an example
A galaxy disappears from view when its surface brightness approaches the bright sky background.
Where interpretation stops
Skyglow is presented as sourced astronomy, calendrical, Earth-science, cultural, or instrument-history reference. Definitions should distinguish measured phenomena from civil convention and historical interpretation, preserve location and time dependencies, and avoid turning factual sky data into a deterministic personal claim.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- NASA Science: Night Lights - NASA observing context for zodiacal light, airglow, aurora, and other dim night-sky light.
- NASA Science: Skywatching FAQ - NASA guidance for observing stars, planets, constellations, and changing sky events.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Also appears in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Learn what brightens the night
Skyglow in a book is one thing; Skyglow in your own birth chart is your life. The Oracle casts your real chart and tells you what it means for your love, your work, and your year ahead, in conversation, free.
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Common questions
What is Skyglow?
Skyglow is diffuse night-sky brightness produced by artificial light, airglow, scattered moonlight, and other broad sources.
How is Skyglow used in an almanac?
Identify artificial and natural components instead of treating all glow alike.
What should I avoid when interpreting Skyglow?
A clouded urban sky can be brighter because clouds scatter city light.
