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

For example, it would have increased light pollution above the Very Large Telescope, which is made up of four individual telescopes, by at least 35 percent.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

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 • Dec. 6, 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

Usually, she wasn’t able to see them so clearly, because of all the city smog and light pollution.

From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi