The Impact of Light Pollution on the Visibility of Constellations and Its Implications for Astronomical Learning

Abstract

Light pollution has become a major challenge for astronomical observation in urban areas, significantly affecting the visibility of constellations, which are essential tools in astronomy education and Islamic astronomical practices. This study aims to analyze the extent to which increasing night sky brightness affects constellation visibility and its implications for learning celestial navigation, timekeeping, and sky orientation. The research employs a qualitative–descriptive method through a literature review, analysis of night-sky brightness data from SQM measurements at several observational sites, and examination of visual documentation of constellation patterns. Relevant ethnoastronomical literature, indigenous star-lore records, and modern astronomical data were categorized and compared using sky simulation software to validate star positions under varying levels of skyglow. The results show that elevated artificial light at night significantly reduces the visibility of faint stars, rendering iconic constellations such as Orion, Scorpius, and Crux partially or fully unrecognizable in highly polluted skies. This decline directly disrupts observational-based astronomy learning, particularly in identifying stellar azimuths, seasonal markers, and basic sky mapping skills. The study highlights the need for mitigation strategies such as selecting darker observation sites, enhancing sky literacy using digital simulations, and integrating ethnoastronomical perspectives to strengthen contextual learning. These findings reinforce the urgency of preserving dark skies as an educational “laboratory" and emphasize the relevance of local sky knowledge in enriching Islamic astronomy education.