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You know what it looks like… but what is it called?
TAKE THE QUIZlight pollution
noun
: artificial skylight (as from city lights) that interferes especially with astronomical observations
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
There's no guarantee, but the best chance of seeing it with your own eyes is a clear dark sky before dawn without the light pollution of cities.
—
George Petras, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2023
Factors that can affect the ZHR include the size and brightness of the meteors, the viewing location, and the light pollution in the area.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2022
Regardless, the best advice is to find dark sky, away from the light pollution of cities and streetlights.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Dec. 2022
Her face was blanched by the screen, the walls by the light pollution that burned off in the night to settle, like ash, through the skylight.
—Jessi Jezewska Stevens, Harper’s Magazine , 28 Sep. 2022
Finca Victoria is nestled on a hillside on one of the highest points of the island, with cooling breezes, lush vegetation, a calming soundtrack of Coqui frogs, and very little light pollution — which makes for stellar stargazing.
—Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2022
The skies are very clear there, with little light pollution.
—Tom Mustill, Time, 17 Nov. 2022
Avoid areas with light pollution, lie down on the ground and point your eyes to the sky for the best views.
—Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 7 Nov. 2022
The goose was in the process of migrating from Alaska and got distracted by the bright lights of Dodger Stadium — a common problem with urban light pollution that can cause the death of millions of migratory birds every year.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2022
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George Petras, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2023
Factors that can affect the ZHR include the size and brightness of the meteors, the viewing location, and the light pollution in the area.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2022
Regardless, the best advice is to find dark sky, away from the light pollution of cities and streetlights.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Dec. 2022
Her face was blanched by the screen, the walls by the light pollution that burned off in the night to settle, like ash, through the skylight.
—Jessi Jezewska Stevens, Harper’s Magazine , 28 Sep. 2022
Finca Victoria is nestled on a hillside on one of the highest points of the island, with cooling breezes, lush vegetation, a calming soundtrack of Coqui frogs, and very little light pollution — which makes for stellar stargazing.
—Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2022
The skies are very clear there, with little light pollution.
—Tom Mustill, Time, 17 Nov. 2022
Avoid areas with light pollution, lie down on the ground and point your eyes to the sky for the best views.
—Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 7 Nov. 2022
The goose was in the process of migrating from Alaska and got distracted by the bright lights of Dodger Stadium — a common problem with urban light pollution that can cause the death of millions of migratory birds every year.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2022
See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'light pollution.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1969, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near light pollution
Cite this Entry
“Light pollution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/light%20pollution. Accessed 1 Feb. 2023.
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