Atsugi is a city located in the Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan, situated just 45 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. It is a highly urbanized area with a population of approximately 235,000 people as of 2021. Atsugi is a bustling city that is known for its vibrant nightlife and attractive landmarks. However, this vibrant city also faces a significant problem with light pollution.
Light pollution is the presence of artificial light in the night sky. It is a phenomenon that is common in highly urbanized areas like Atsugi, where there are high levels of artificial lighting. The light pollution in Atsugi is a significant environmental problem that affects the city's natural resources and the health and wellbeing of its residents.
The primary cause of light pollution in Atsugi is the excessive use of artificial lighting. Many commercial and residential buildings use high-intensity lights to illuminate their surroundings, which contributes to the city's overall light pollution. Additionally, streetlights, traffic lights, and illuminated signs further add to the problem.
One of the most famous landmarks in Atsugi is the Atsugi Airfield. The airfield is a military installation that is used by the United States Navy, and it is located in the heart of the city. The airfield is known for its impressive night displays, which contribute significantly to the city's light pollution. The airfield also generates significant noise pollution, which can be heard throughout the city.
Another factor that contributes to light pollution in Atsugi is the city's bustling nightlife. The city is home to numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs that stay open late into the night. These establishments often use bright lights and neon signs to attract customers, which adds to the overall light pollution in the city.
The level of light pollution in Atsugi is estimated to be high. According to data from the International Dark-Sky Association, the city has a skyglow rating of 17.53 mag/arcsec², which is considered to be significant. The skyglow rating measures the brightness of the night sky caused by artificial light sources.
Despite the high levels of light pollution, the city of Atsugi is taking steps to address the problem. The city has implemented regulations that require businesses to use energy-efficient lighting and reduce the use of high-intensity lights. Additionally, the city is promoting the use of outdoor lighting that is designed to minimize light pollution.
Atsugi is a vibrant city that is known for its bustling nightlife and impressive landmarks. However, the city also faces a significant problem with light pollution, which is primarily caused by the excessive use of artificial lighting. The high levels of light pollution in the city have a significant impact on the environment and the health and wellbeing of its residents. Nevertheless, the city is taking steps to address the problem by promoting the use of energy-efficient lighting and outdoor lighting that is designed to minimize light pollution.