Light pollution is a significant issue for stargazers, especially those living near large towns and cities. Excessive light from streetlights, vehicles, billboards, and other objects can reduce the contrast between the dark sky and bright objects, making it difficult to see faint stars and celestial bodies.
To measure the darkness of the sky, astronomers use the Bortle scale, which ranges from 1 (darkest rural skies) to 9 (inner-city skies). A light pollution map allows you to determine your location’s scale.
The Moon can also interfere with stargazing, especially during its full and crescent phases. However, some deep-space objects are bright enough to be seen in light-polluted regions, such as the Orion Nebula (M42) and the Pleiades (1.6).
To improve your stargazing experience despite light pollution:
* Gain altitude by ascending a tall building or sitting at the top of a hill.
* Look away from the city center to reduce artificial light’s impact.
* Position yourself so that direct lights do not shine into your eyes.
For photography and binocular use, consider adding filters or using equipment with larger aperture lenses. Learning the sky map, understanding the motion of the sky, and choosing the right equipment can also enhance your stargazing experience.
While light pollution is a challenge, it’s essential to find ways to work around it and make the most of your stargazing time.
Source: https://www.howtogeek.com/how-you-can-stargaze-under-light-pollution