Besançon is a city located in the eastern part of France, in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. It has a population of approximately 116,000 people and is known for its rich history, impressive architecture, and stunning night views. However, like many other cities around the world, Besançon is also affected by light pollution, which can have a significant impact on both the environment and human health.
Light pollution is the excessive or misdirected artificial light that affects the natural environment and wildlife. It can also impact human health by disrupting the sleep-wake cycle, leading to insomnia, and other health problems. In Besançon, light pollution is mainly caused by street lighting, commercial lighting, and lighting from buildings and homes.
The level of light pollution in Besançon is estimated to be moderate. According to the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), the city has a sky brightness of around 19.36 mag/arcsec2, which is slightly higher than the natural sky brightness of around 17.9 mag/arcsec2. Although this level of light pollution may not be as severe as in other cities, it still has a significant impact on the environment and human health.
One of the most iconic landmarks of Besançon is the Citadel, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Citadel is an impressive fortification that was built in the 17th century to defend the city from invaders. It is located on a hill overlooking the city and offers breathtaking views of the cityscape. At night, the Citadel is illuminated, which adds to the beauty of the city. However, the lighting of the Citadel also contributes to light pollution.
Besançon is a city with a rich history and a vibrant culture. The city is home to several museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology, the Museum of Time, and the Museum of Resistance and Deportation. The city also hosts several cultural events throughout the year, such as the Besançon International Music Festival and the Besançon Book Fair. These events attract visitors from all over the world, and the lighting of the venues also contributes to light pollution.
Besançon is also home to several industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The city has a significant number of hospitals and research institutions, such as the University of Franche-Comté and the National Institute for Applied Sciences. The lighting of these institutions and their surrounding areas also contributes to light pollution.
The people of Besançon are known for their love of outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling. The city has several parks and green spaces, including the City Park, which is one of the largest urban parks in France. The lighting of these parks and green spaces can also contribute to light pollution, although efforts are being made to reduce the impact of artificial lighting on the environment and wildlife.
Besançon is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. However, like many other cities, it is also affected by light pollution. The level of light pollution in the city is estimated to be moderate and is mainly caused by street lighting, commercial lighting, and lighting from buildings and homes. The lighting of iconic landmarks, cultural venues, and industries also contributes to light pollution. Despite these challenges, the people of Besançon are working to reduce the impact of artificial lighting on the environment and wildlife, while still enjoying the city's beauty at night.