Lysspilling

Lysspilling is a Norwegian term that translates to "light spilling" or "light seepage" and generally refers to the uncontrolled or unintentional emission of light from a source. This can occur in various contexts, including artificial lighting and natural phenomena. In urban environments, lysspilling is often associated with light pollution, where excessive or misdirected artificial light escapes from buildings, streetlights, and illuminated advertising, impacting the night sky and surrounding areas.

The phenomenon can also describe light escaping from the edges of illuminated objects or surfaces, creating a halo effect. This might be seen around poorly sealed light fixtures or when light passes through translucent materials. In a more natural context, lysspilling could refer to the way sunlight filters through clouds or foliage, creating dappled patterns or beams of light. The term emphasizes the diffuse or uncontained nature of the light's spread. Understanding lysspilling is important for managing artificial light, minimizing its environmental impact, and appreciating the subtle ways light interacts with its surroundings.