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

Because it’s actually dark out there. In the city, it’s almost *never* actually dark. There’s always light from street lights, other houses, etc. Even if you’re out of direct line of sight from those things, you’re getting some light reflected off clouds or the atmosphere.

But the farther away you go, the dimmer those lights get. Your phone or headlights are still adding the same amount of light, it’s just that you’re starting with something that’s much darker.

Answer 2

Because it’s actually dark out there. In the city, it’s almost *never* actually dark. There’s always light from street lights, other houses, etc. Even if you’re out of direct line of sight from those things, you’re getting some light reflected off clouds or the atmosphere.

But the farther away you go, the dimmer those lights get. Your phone or headlights are still adding the same amount of light, it’s just that you’re starting with something that’s much darker.