Light pollution (also known as photo pollution, luminous pollution) is overload or obtrusive light created by humans. Among other effects, it can difficult to understand all but a few stars to city dwellers, cause problems for astronomical observatories, and disturb ecosystems. Since the early 1980s, a global dark-sky movement has emerged, with concerned people campaigning to decrease the amount of light pollution.

This composite satellite photograph of the ground at night demonstrates how much of the world's light is projected into space, rather than on its planned target. (Photo credit: NASA)Light pollution is a side effect of industrial civilization. It comes from sources such as domestic lighting, advertising, commercial properties, offices, factories, streetlights, and lit sporting venues. It is most harsh in the highly industrialized, densely populated areas of the United States, Europe, and Japan, but even comparatively small amounts of light can be noticed and create problems.

Contact Us