Light Pollution

Astronomers are raising awareness about light pollution, excessive or improper use of artificial light, which causes sky glow, glare, and decreased visibility at night. Light pollution obscures the visibility of the night sky from Earth and interferes with astronomical observations. Streetlights are one source of light pollution. Many streetlights shine into the sky as well as onto the street and make it increasingly difficult for astronomers and amateur sky gazers to observe the constellations in our galaxy.

Unshielded light from Chattanooga and surrounding areas obscure the view of the sky around the Clarence T. Jones Observatory.

For more information about light pollution, visit:

• International Dark Sky Association
• U.S. EPA Green Lights Program