Light Pollution

Light pollution is too much artificial light at night, from street lamps, signs and buildings. It makes stars hard to see and can disturb wildlife.

Shielded lights can reduce light pollution.

It makes the night sky look washed out, so people in towns often cannot see many stars. It can also confuse animals that rely on natural darkness.

Birds can become lost when they fly towards bright city lights, and some insects gather around lamps and never return. Cities can help by using shielded lights that point downwards and switching off lights that are not needed at night.