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It is a harder to see stars and other objects in the night sky than it was a hundred years ago due to bright lights from cities. This problem has become quite widespread: any light that interferes with astronomical observations is called “light pollution.” Light pollution can be a problem even if you are miles away from the nearest city, this is particularly true if it is large city.
In response to this, some communities have set up light pollution ordinances. However the problem has not been solved and greater awareness of light pollution is needed (a few organizations are attempting to educate the public on this issue). The types of lights that interfere with astronomy are not necessary: they waste electricity, cause excess pollution, but can easily be replaced with more efficient lighting that still illuminates the ground without sending as much light into the sky.
Southeast Michigan Light Pollution Issues.
International Dark-Sky Association. (http://www.darksky.org/)
Light Pollution Awareness Website. (http://members.aol.com/ctcadman/)
Light Pollution Internet Links. (http://members.aol.com/ctcadman/LiteLynx.htm)
Astronomy Picture of the Day: Earth at Night. (http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap001127.html)
Skyglow Across the Great Lakes. (http://www.streetlights.us/)
Google Earth Light Pollution Overlay Files.