What is the definition of light pollution?

The correct definition of light pollution is misdirected or excessive artificial light that can produce glare and sky glow. This phenomenon occurs when artificial light is improperly directed or is too intense, resulting in a range of negative effects on both the environment and human health. Light pollution can disrupt ecosystems, interfere with astronomical observations, and cause disturbances in natural behaviors of wildlife. It can lead to glare, which reduces visibility and can create hazards for drivers and pedestrians. Sky glow, a common form of light pollution, significantly obscures the visibility of stars and celestial objects, detracting from the night sky experience.

In contrast, natural daylight entering buildings relates more to sustainable architectural practices and does not encompass the negative implications of artificial light. Darkness created by the absence of artificial light is simply a description of environmental conditions devoid of such light, and it does not address the issues caused by excessive artificial illumination. Uncontrolled lighting in commercial spaces, while potentially contributing to light pollution, is a more specific scenario and does not capture the broader definition of misdirected or excessive artificial light. Thus, option B accurately describes light pollution in its fullest context.