Night Earth

Bontang, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

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Bontang, Kota Bontang, Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia
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Bontang is a coastal city located in the East Kalimantan province of Indonesia. It is situated in the northeastern part of Borneo Island, at the easternmost point of the island. The city has a population of approximately 200,000 people and is known for its industrial activities, such as natural gas processing and liquefaction, petrochemicals, and fertilizer production. The city's economy is heavily dependent on these industries, which contribute significantly to the country's gross domestic product.

The night lights of Bontang are a significant aspect of the city's urban landscape. The lights come from various sources, including streetlights, buildings, and industrial facilities. These lights create a glow that can be seen from far away, creating an artificial luminosity that affects the natural environment.

Light pollution is a problem in Bontang, as in many other cities around the world. The level of light pollution is measured in the brightness of the night sky, which is often expressed in magnitudes per square arcsecond. In Bontang, the level of light pollution is estimated to be around 20 magnitudes per square arcsecond. This means that the night sky is 1,000 times brighter than it would be in a truly dark sky.

One of the main factors contributing to light pollution in Bontang is the city's industrial activities. The city has several large-scale industrial facilities that operate 24/7, producing a significant amount of light. These facilities use high-intensity discharge lamps and other types of artificial lighting that emit a considerable amount of light into the atmosphere.

Another factor that contributes to light pollution in Bontang is the city's streetlights. While streetlights are essential for public safety and navigation, they can also produce a significant amount of light pollution if they are not properly designed and installed. In Bontang, many streetlights are positioned too high or are too bright, which creates unnecessary light pollution.

The habits of the people living in Bontang also contribute to light pollution. Many residents use outdoor lighting to illuminate their homes and gardens, and they often leave these lights on throughout the night. Additionally, many businesses in the city keep their lights on at night, even when they are closed, which adds to the overall level of light pollution.

Despite the challenges posed by light pollution, there are several initiatives underway in Bontang to address the issue. The city has begun to replace its streetlights with more efficient and less polluting LED lighting. Additionally, many businesses and residents are taking steps to reduce their outdoor lighting, such as by installing motion-activated sensors or using lower-wattage bulbs.

In terms of landmarks, one of the most prominent is the Bontang LNG Plant, a natural gas processing and liquefaction facility that is one of the largest in the world. The plant is a major source of employment in the city, and its towering structures can be seen from miles away. Another landmark is the Bontang Kaltim Industrial Estate, a massive industrial park that houses dozens of businesses and factories.