Ambattur is a suburb located in the north-western part of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The city has a population of approximately 5,00,000 people, making it a densely populated area with a mix of residential, commercial and industrial zones.
When it comes to night lights, Ambattur is known for its significant light pollution, primarily caused by industrialization and urbanization. The city is home to numerous factories, commercial complexes, and residential areas that use artificial lighting extensively. As a result, the night sky over Ambattur is usually hazy, and stars are hardly visible due to the intense glare from the city lights. The estimated amount of light pollution in Ambattur is high, with a sky brightness level of 18.5 mag/arcsec².
One of the prominent landmarks in Ambattur is the Ambattur Industrial Estate, which is one of the largest industrial hubs in South India. The estate houses more than 1,800 small, medium and large-scale industries, including IT, textiles, engineering, automobile, and chemical industries. The factories located in the estate operate round the clock, leading to an increase in light pollution. The industrial estate is one of the major contributors to the high levels of light pollution in the city.
The city also has several residential areas that contribute to light pollution. Many of the households in Ambattur use high-intensity lights to light up their homes, leading to an increase in the overall light levels. Additionally, streetlights are also a significant source of light pollution in the city. The streetlights in Ambattur are usually high-pressure sodium lamps, which emit a yellowish-orange light that is prone to light pollution.
Apart from industrialization and urbanization, the habits of people living in Ambattur also affect light pollution. Many people tend to keep their lights on all night, even when they are not using them, contributing to the overall light levels in the city. Additionally, the widespread use of digital devices like smartphones and laptops also contributes to light pollution.
Despite the high levels of light pollution, Ambattur has a few spots that offer a glimpse of the night sky. The Ambattur lake is one such spot where people can experience a relatively darker sky. The lake is surrounded by trees, providing a natural shield against light pollution. Additionally, the spot is usually free from artificial lighting, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.
Ambattur is a densely populated city with a significant industrial presence. The city's industrialization and urbanization have contributed to the high levels of light pollution, which have affected the night sky. However, there are a few spots in the city, such as the Ambattur lake, where people can experience a relatively darker sky.