Global Light Pollution Threatens Astronomical Observations
Light pollution from urban areas, especially due to LED lighting, is increasingly impacting ground-based astronomical observatories worldwide, making it harder for astronomers to study faint celestial objects. Despite the shift to energy-efficient LEDs, overall light emissions have risen, encroaching on remote observatory sites and threatening the ability to observe the universe's faintest phenomena. Efforts are underway to protect dark skies and mitigate the effects of urban expansion and industrial activities.