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

A buildout of the claims could end public access to the area and permanently scar the landscape, drawing traffic and light pollution and harming springs and groundwater stores, he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

The plans sparked alarm in the astronomical community over fears that light pollution from the project would interfere with the nearby Paranal Observatory's current and future telescopes.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

Finding somewhere without light pollution and with an open view of the sky will give you the best chance of seeing something.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

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 • Nov. 20, 2025

New York City has too much light pollution.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon