Have you ever looked up at the night sky and felt like something was missing? Chances are, you've experienced light pollution. Light pollution, in its simplest form, is the excessive and misdirected use of artificial light. It washes out the darkness, obscuring our view of the stars and disrupting natural ecosystems.
Think of streetlights shining upwards instead of downwards, or overly bright billboards illuminating the sky. This wasted light not only impacts astronomy but also affects human health, wildlife behavior, and energy consumption.
Fortunately, there are ways to combat light pollution! Simple actions like using shielded light fixtures, choosing lower wattage bulbs, and advocating for responsible lighting policies can make a big difference. Let's work together to bring back the night and preserve the beauty of the universe for generations to come.