Here's why:

* Artificial light sources: Cities, towns, and even suburbs are filled with streetlights, building lights, car headlights, and other artificial sources of light. This light scatters in the atmosphere, making it difficult to see the stars.

* Scattering of light: Even natural light from the moon and stars can be scattered by atmospheric particles, making the sky appear brighter than it would be otherwise.

* Human impact: The amount of light pollution has increased dramatically over the past century due to urbanization and increased use of artificial lighting.

So, while you might see the moon and some brighter stars, the true beauty of a truly dark night sky is often hidden by the glow of artificial light.