light pollution

noun

1. unwanted or harmful light, as from bright street lights or neon signs.
2. Astronomy. artificial illumination of the sky that sets a limit on the faintness of stars that can be observed or photographed.

light pollution

noun

1. the glow from street and domestic lighting that obscures the night sky and hinders the observation of faint stars

Word History and Origins

Origin of light pollution¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

The town passed rules in 2017 to preserve the dark sky, so light pollution should remain minimal.

From MIT Technology Review

The first is whether it tends to have clear skies—that means no dense cloud formations, and very little light pollution.

From MIT Technology Review

Brightness will matter depending on how much light pollution you have in your room.

From Popular-Science

In 2010, artist and astronomer Tyler Nordgren coined the slogan “half the park is after dark” to promote the nocturnal skygazing that the lack of light pollution in many national parks affords.

From Outside Online

If there isn’t one within striking distance, this interactive map of light pollution can help you find the next best thing.

From Outside Online

In regards to the more tangible issues, then, among environmental issues, where would you rank light pollution?

From The Daily Beast

A piece in National Geographic characterized light pollution as likely the easiest pollution problem to solve.

From The Daily Beast

As with many aspects of modern life, light pollution represents both a triumph of technology and a minor disaster.

From The Daily Beast