Why do lights get swallowed up in the countryside at night?

Question

I’ve noticed when I’m in an area far from the city, my light devices seem to not shine well at all. I can turn on the flashlight on my phone and I’ll barely be able to see. If I’m driving, my normal headlights doesn’t allow visibility, and high beams feel like a must.

In: Physics

Answer 1

There’s nothing being swallowed up, it just sounds like you don’t understand how darkness and light works.

A cell phone light is weak and will not illuminate a dark forest. There’s an immense amount of ambient light in a city while nature is typically dark AF at night. Try investing in a headlamp or flashlight if you need better handheld light. Driving on dark roads in rural forest is definitely a reasonable time to consider high beams, being mindful of oncoming traffic of course.

Answer 2

There’s nothing being swallowed up, it just sounds like you don’t understand how darkness and light works.

A cell phone light is weak and will not illuminate a dark forest. There’s an immense amount of ambient light in a city while nature is typically dark AF at night. Try investing in a headlamp or flashlight if you need better handheld light. Driving on dark roads in rural forest is definitely a reasonable time to consider high beams, being mindful of oncoming traffic of course.