What is the primary role of light pollution in astronomy?

Light pollution primarily obstructs observations of the night sky by reducing the visibility of celestial objects. This phenomenon occurs when artificial light from street lamps, buildings, and other sources scatters in the atmosphere, creating a bright sky that overwhelms the faint light from stars and other astronomical objects. As a result, astronomers and casual stargazers alike find it increasingly difficult to see and study celestial bodies, leading to challenges in both professional research and amateur astronomy.

The impact of light pollution extends to various aspects of astronomical research, including the difficulty in detecting faint stars, identifying subtle features in nebulae, and analyzing distant galaxies. Observatories often need to be situated far from urban areas to minimize the effects of light pollution, emphasizing its significant role in hampering the ability to make detailed, accurate observations of the universe.