Are We Losing Our View of the Night Sky?

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Many of us won't be able to see this comet, particularly if we live in or near cities. The increase in the sky brightness was at 7 to 10% a year for this last decade. It does mean that more and more and more, we are losing our view of the night sky.

This week star gazers will be hoping to catch sight of an exotic green comet that last passed by Earth 50,000 years ago. But, unlike the view our Neanderthal ancestors would have had, light pollution will make witnessing this celestial event an impossibility for many. Ian Sample speaks to astronomy journalist Dr Stuart Clark about how best to see the comet, and why it’s time to rethink our relationship with the night sky. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod