Does the un-risen moon add to light pollution?

[Catfish]

I restrict my visits to the desert for star gazing to the new moon. Does a full moon that has set / not yet risen add to light pollution? Can't find the answer anywhere online so perhaps a dumb question?

[Oldfort]

I too have not seen anything on this topic, and I have no direct experience to fall back on since I have never observed from a truly dark location.

However, just as one doesn't get light pollution from the sun during the hours of astronominal night (conventionally when the sun is 18 degrees below the horizon), there will be  similar effect with the moon.  My guess is that it wouldn't need to be so far below the horizon for it to not contribute to sky brightening. 

[wulfrun]

According to Wikipedia, the full moon is about 1/380,000th the brightness of the sun. Logically, a full moon must introduce *some* light pollution when it's close to rising or setting but based on the figure above it's probably not something to worry over. Certainly, when there's some haze, it's possible to see the haze brighten near a not-yet-risen or just-set moon.

Note that the above is based on common sense and not direct experience from a very dark place!

[Nyctimene]

Some answers can be  found here :https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/744119-the-effect-of-moonset/#entry10720762

Stephan

 

[LukeSkywatcher]

There's no doubt that a full moon washes out much of the sky around it. Turn your back to it and observe the usable sky.

[Clarkey]

I think accusing the moon of light pollution is a bit harsh!🤣