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

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

From BBC

Industrialization has altered these conditions within only a few centuries by adding noise, air and light pollution, microplastics, pesticides, continuous sensory input, artificial lighting, processed foods and long periods of sitting.

From Science Daily

This should help viewing conditions as there will be less light pollution at a time when the Geminids have been known to produce over 120 meteors per hour.

From BBC

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