Night Earth

Kansas City, Kansas, United States

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Kansas City Skyline as seen from Liberty Memorial World War 1 National Monument and Museum
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Kansas City, Kansas is a large city located in the northeastern part of the state of Kansas, in the United States. With an estimated population of approximately 150,000 inhabitants, it is the third-largest city in the state, after Wichita and Overland Park. The city has a rich history, and is known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural landmarks, as well as for its thriving industry.

One of the most striking features of Kansas City, Kansas is its impressive night lights. The city is well known for its bright, colorful skyline, which is visible from miles away. However, this impressive display of light also comes with a price - light pollution. According to recent studies, Kansas City, Kansas is one of the most light-polluted cities in the United States, with an estimated amount of 6000 cd/m2 (candelas per square meter) of sky brightness, which is significantly higher than the natural sky brightness of 0.1-1 cd/m2.

There are several factors that contribute to the light pollution in Kansas City, Kansas. One of the main factors is the large number of streetlights and other artificial lighting sources. The city has a well-developed road network, with numerous highways and major roads crisscrossing the area. To ensure safety and visibility, many of these roads are illuminated by streetlights and other artificial lighting sources. However, these lights also contribute to the light pollution problem by illuminating the sky and interfering with astronomical observations.

Another major contributor to light pollution in Kansas City, Kansas is the city's thriving industry. The city is home to several large manufacturing plants, warehouses, and other industrial facilities, which require large amounts of artificial lighting for safety and productivity. Additionally, many of these facilities operate 24/7, which means that their lights are always on, even during the night.

Despite these factors, there are also several efforts underway to reduce light pollution in Kansas City, Kansas. The city has implemented several measures to reduce the amount of light emitted by streetlights and other artificial lighting sources, such as using LED lights and shields to direct light downwards and reduce light spill. Additionally, there are several local organizations and advocacy groups that are working to raise awareness about light pollution and promote dark sky-friendly lighting practices.

In terms of specific landmarks and habits of the people living in Kansas City, Kansas, there are several notable examples. One of the most famous landmarks in the city is the Kansas Speedway, a large motorsports facility that hosts several major racing events each year. The speedway is well-known for its bright lighting, which illuminates the track and surrounding area during events. Another popular landmark is the Hollywood Casino, a large gaming and entertainment complex that is also known for its bright lights and colorful signage.

In terms of the habits of the people living in Kansas City, Kansas, the city is home to a diverse population with a wide range of interests and lifestyles. Many residents enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and stargazing, and are concerned about the impact of light pollution on the environment and their ability to enjoy these activities. Additionally, the city has a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and other cultural institutions that rely on artificial lighting to showcase their exhibits and performances.

Kansas City, Kansas is a vibrant and dynamic city with a rich history, thriving industry, and impressive night lights. However, the city also suffers from significant light pollution, which can have a negative impact on the environment, astronomy, and human health. While there are efforts underway to reduce light pollution in the city, there is still much work to be done to ensure that the city's night lights can be enjoyed without harming the natural environment or human health.