Light pollution

Extraneous light, in various forms, is a public enemy of

increasing proportions. Astronomers are often particularly
aggrieved in respect of this offensive light insomuch as they
would prefer to view the night sky with as little stray light as
possible. The situation occurs for a variety of reasons but in
general terms it is due to either badly designed lighting
installations or inaccurately aimed luminaires or a combination
of both.
The likely consequences are sky glow or light pollution,
where artificial lighting spills over, and therefore trespasses
into, areas for which it is not intended. The situation
becomes more pronounced when light is scattered through
the night sky by particles of dust and droplets of water.
There appears little doubt that light pollution is a serious
problem and unless the situation is addressed and subsequently
reversed there is every possibility that the view of
the night sky and all of the details contained therein, will
be lost.