Light Pollution

 

Light pollution is the excessive or misdirected use of artificial outdoor lighting.
It brightens the night sky, washes out stars, and disrupts natural darkness.

In many Indian cities, light pollution has increased rapidly due to:

  • Urban expansion

  • Unshielded streetlights

  • Decorative and commercial lighting

  • 24×7 illumination culture

Types of Light Pollution

 

  • Skyglow – Brightening of the night sky over populated areas

  • Glare – Excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort

  • Light Trespass – Light spilling into unwanted areas (homes, habitats)

  • Clutter – Over-concentration of bright lights

Why dark skies matters

 

Dark skies are essential for:

  • Astronomy & science

  • Wildlife behavior (birds, insects, animals)

  • Human health (sleep cycles, mental well-being)

  • Cultural heritage (star knowledge, navigation, traditions)

India has a long history of astronomy — from ancient observatories like Jantar Mantar to modern space research.

What You Can Do

 

  • Use shielded outdoor lights

  • Choose warm-colored LEDs

  • Turn lights off when not needed

  • Support dark sky friendly policies

  • Educate others about night-sky protection