Araxá is a city located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It has an estimated population of 105,000 inhabitants, and its economy is mainly based on agriculture, mining, and tourism. The city is known for its hot springs and the São Domingos mountain, which is a popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities. The city's night lights are also a significant feature, attracting tourists and making it a lively place after dark.
However, with the increase in population and economic growth, the amount of light pollution has also increased. Light pollution is the excessive and misdirected artificial light that affects the natural darkness of the environment. It not only affects the quality of the night sky, but it also has significant consequences on wildlife, human health, and energy consumption.
In Araxá, the main source of light pollution is the street lighting. The city has a well-established network of streetlights, which are designed to provide safety and security to its residents and visitors. However, the lighting is often too bright and not adequately shielded, which leads to unnecessary light spillage and skyglow. According to the World Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness, Araxá has a light pollution index of 19.64, which is considered moderate.
The city's landmarks also contribute to its light pollution. The most prominent landmark is the Tauá Grande Hotel, which is located in the city center. The hotel is known for its stunning architecture and luxurious amenities, and it has a bright façade that is visible from far away. The hotel's lighting is essential for its visibility and attractiveness, but it also contributes to the light pollution in the surrounding area.
Another contributing factor to Araxá's light pollution is the mining industry. The city is known for its rich mineral resources, and mining has been a significant economic driver for the region. However, the mining activities require extensive lighting, which adds to the overall light pollution in the area.
The people living in Araxá also have habits that affect the amount of light pollution. Many residents leave their lights on all night, even when they are not using them. This is a common practice in Brazil, and it contributes to the excessive energy consumption and light pollution. Moreover, the culture of outdoor socializing and nightlife is prevalent in Araxá, which means that many restaurants and bars keep their lights on late into the night, contributing to the overall light pollution.
Araxá, Minas Gerais, Brazil is a city that is famous for its hot springs, hiking trails, and night lights. However, the city's growth and economic development have led to an increase in light pollution, which affects the natural darkness of the environment, wildlife, human health, and energy consumption. The main sources of light pollution in Araxá are the street lighting, landmarks, mining activities, and the habits of its residents. The city's light pollution index is moderate, and it is essential to implement measures to reduce the amount of artificial light and promote a healthier and more sustainable night environment.