What is Light Pollution

Light Trespass 

Light Trespass is a phrase commonly found in building codes. It is often defined as direct light that goes beyond the property and enters another. However, WV Dark Sky goes beyond the lighting code and defines it in more general terms. Light Trespass is when light, direct or indirect goes beyond its intended area.

Glare 

Glare is excessive brightness that causes discomfort or disability. There are two types of glare, indirect and direct. indirect glare is when the light bounces off a surface reflecting light back at the person. Direct glare is light emitting from the light entering the eye directly. Glaring lights are often seen with area type of lights and often not shielded, however this can expand to other types of lights depending on its shielding and luminosity. 

Light Clutter

Light Clutter is a group of excessive amount or confusing lights. This is often seen in cities where there is no consistency of lumens, color, and shielding. However, even consistent lighting can lead to light clutter. This can be seen along bridges or park walk ways where there are more lights than needed and lined in a row. Light clutter affects our depth perception and roadway safety.  

Skyglow

Skyglow is the brightening of the night sky caused by artificial light scattering in the atmosphere. It often appears as a grayish, orange, or even yellow dome of light that obscures stars and planets, making the sky look hazy instead of dark. This phenomenon results from excess upward-directed or reflected light from sources like streetlights, billboards, stadiums, and indoor lighting escaping through windows. Unlike other forms of light pollution, skyglow is a cumulative effect built from countless small sources rather than a single one creating a pervasive glow that blankets cities and towns, diminishing our view of the cosmos.