light pollution

American  

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.

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light pollution British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of light pollution

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Future research may include detailed monitoring of air, water, noise, and light pollution near facilities, and investigations using new datasets such as Medicaid records or information on specific groups like pregnancy planners.

From Science Daily

In Los Angeles County, most residents under the city’s heavy dome of light pollution were likely unaware that the phenomenon was unfolding nearby.

From Los Angeles Times

To see the aurora find a dark spot with minimal light pollution and a good view of the northern horizon.

From BBC

“Guests don’t want to see light pollution.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The investigators described artificial light at night, often called nighttime light pollution, as nearly universal in modern urban settings.

From Science Daily