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The scattering of light from man-made sources into the night sky, which increases the background brightness of the sky above its natural level and interferes with astronomical observations. Light pollution is worst close to major centres of civilization. Legislation has been enacted in part of the USA to protect important observatory sites from the damaging effects of unnecessary artificial lighting in nearby cities. However, the problem is a growing one and a matter of worldwide concern for both amateur and professional astronomers.
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