Amarillo is a city located in the northwestern region of the state of Texas, United States. It is the largest city in the Texas Panhandle and the 14th most populous city in the state with an estimated population of around 200,000 people. Amarillo is known for its vibrant nightlife, including its famous night lights. However, these lights also contribute to the growing problem of light pollution.
Light pollution is a major concern in Amarillo, as it affects not only the natural beauty of the city but also the health of its residents. Light pollution is defined as the excessive or misdirected artificial light that causes a disturbance to the natural environment, such as sky glow, light trespass, and glare. The main contributors to light pollution in Amarillo are the city's streetlights, commercial and industrial lighting, and residential lighting.
Amarillo's night lights are most prominent in the downtown area, which is home to several iconic landmarks such as the Santa Fe Building, the Potter County Courthouse, and the historic Paramount Theater. The city's nightlife is also centered in this area, with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants lining the streets. The lights from these establishments and the bright billboards contribute significantly to the light pollution in the city.
Apart from the downtown area, the city's industrial sector also contributes to the light pollution problem. Amarillo is home to several large manufacturing plants, including the Bell Helicopter Textron and the Owens Corning Fiberglass plant. These plants require extensive lighting for safety and security reasons, contributing to the city's overall light pollution.
Additionally, the residents of Amarillo also play a role in the light pollution problem. Many homes and businesses in the city have outdoor lighting that is excessively bright or pointed in the wrong direction, leading to light trespass and glare. In some cases, residents may leave their outdoor lights on all night, contributing to the overall brightness of the city.
The estimated amount of light pollution in Amarillo is significant. According to a study by the International Dark-Sky Association, the city has a sky glow of 18.79 magnitudes per square arcsecond, which is higher than the recommended limit for a dark sky. The study also found that the brightest areas in the city were downtown and the industrial sector.
Efforts are being made to reduce light pollution in Amarillo. The city has implemented a lighting ordinance that regulates the type and amount of outdoor lighting allowed in the city. The ordinance aims to reduce the amount of light trespass and glare while maintaining safety and security. Additionally, the city is working with the International Dark-Sky Association to become a certified dark sky community, which would require the city to implement further measures to reduce light pollution.
Amarillo is a vibrant city in the state of Texas known for its nightlife and famous night lights. However, the city's excessive and misdirected artificial lighting is contributing to the growing problem of light pollution. The main contributors to light pollution in Amarillo are the city's streetlights, commercial and industrial lighting, and residential lighting. Efforts are being made to reduce light pollution, including implementing a lighting ordinance and working towards becoming a certified dark sky community.