What is Light Pollution?

Light pollution can inhibit our ability to see the stars at night. This form of pollution can also be detrimental to wildlife and people alike. But before we get into those complexities, let's start with the basics.

Light pollution is the excessive, misdirected, unshielded, or unnecessary use of artificial (outdoor) light. Light pollution can take many forms, such as glare, skyglow, light trespass, and clutter. 

Glare is visual impairment or visual discomfort that occurs when individuals encounter obtrusive lights. 

Skyglow obstructs our ability to see the stars due to lighting cast directly upwards into the atmosphere. This light causes an orange glow in the night sky, referred to as - skyglow. It is common in more populated areas. 

Light trespass is when light from one property crosses the property boundaries onto another property. Light trespass can also occur when light falls onto areas where it is not intended or required.  

Clutter is excessively bright groupings of light sources.

Without barriers or shields, light spillover is common from each of these forms of light pollution. The most common offenders are unshielded floodlights or security lights, streetlights, illuminated business or sporting signs, and uplighting. The mismanagement of light can cause ecological disturbances, impact human health, and severs our connection to the stars in the night sky. 

To learn more visit the IDA website