Bawshar is a city located in the Muscat Governorate of Oman, situated to the south-west of the capital city of Muscat. Bawshar is home to approximately 239,185 inhabitants as of 2021. The city is one of the largest and most developed in the Muscat Governorate, with a bustling population and a variety of businesses and industries.
At night, the cityscape of Bawshar is an impressive sight to behold, with bright lights illuminating the streets and buildings. The main sources of light pollution in the city include streetlights, commercial buildings, and residential areas. The amount of light pollution in Bawshar is estimated to be moderate to high, with a significant amount of light escaping into the night sky.
One of the most prominent landmarks in Bawshar is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. The mosque's striking architecture is enhanced by the floodlights that illuminate it at night, creating a beautiful sight against the dark sky. Another notable landmark is the Muscat Grand Mall, a popular shopping center that also features brightly lit storefronts and advertising displays.
In terms of industry, Bawshar is home to a variety of businesses and factories, including those in the construction, manufacturing, and service sectors. Many of these establishments operate at night, contributing to the city's overall light pollution. Additionally, the city's residents are known to have a bustling nightlife, with many cafes, restaurants, and other entertainment venues remaining open late into the night.
Despite the impressive spectacle of the city's night lights, light pollution can have negative effects on both the environment and human health. In particular, excessive exposure to artificial light at night can disrupt sleep patterns and circadian rhythms, leading to health problems such as insomnia and depression. Light pollution can also have a significant impact on nocturnal wildlife, disrupting migration patterns and disrupting breeding and feeding behaviors.
Overall, Bawshar is a vibrant and bustling city with a significant amount of light pollution. The city's many industries and lively nightlife contribute to the abundance of artificial light at night, which can have both positive and negative effects on the environment and human health. Nevertheless, Bawshar remains an impressive sight at night, with its brightly lit streets and striking landmarks drawing visitors and residents alike.