Marquette is a beautiful city located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the United States. With a population of approximately 21,000 people, the city is well-known for its stunning scenery and proximity to Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes. However, as with many urban areas, Marquette is also affected by light pollution, which can detract from its natural beauty.
Light pollution is caused by the overuse of artificial lighting, which can have a negative impact on both the environment and human health. In Marquette, the most significant source of light pollution comes from streetlights, which are designed to keep the city safe and secure at night. While these lights are essential for ensuring public safety, they also contribute significantly to the overall amount of light pollution in the city.
One of the most striking examples of light pollution in Marquette is the view of the city from Sugarloaf Mountain, a popular hiking spot located just outside the city. From this vantage point, the lights of the city create a distinctive orange glow that is visible for miles around. While this view is undoubtedly impressive, it also serves as a reminder of the impact that human activity can have on the natural environment.
Despite the presence of light pollution in Marquette, the city has taken steps to address this issue in recent years. For example, the city has replaced many of its older streetlights with energy-efficient LED lights, which not only reduce light pollution but also save the city money on electricity costs. In addition, many residents have taken it upon themselves to reduce their own light pollution by using outdoor lighting only when necessary and ensuring that their lighting fixtures are properly shielded.
Despite these efforts, light pollution remains a significant problem in Marquette. According to recent estimates, the city has an average skyglow level of 19.32 mag/arcsec2, which is considered to be moderately light-polluted. This level of light pollution can have a negative impact on the health of both humans and wildlife, as it disrupts natural sleep patterns and can interfere with the behavior of nocturnal animals.
One of the challenges facing Marquette in reducing its light pollution is its status as a small city with a strong industrial presence. The city is home to several large industrial facilities, including the Marquette Iron Range and the Northern Michigan University. These facilities require a significant amount of energy to operate, which can contribute to the overall level of light pollution in the city.
Despite these challenges, there are several steps that the city could take to reduce its light pollution further. For example, the city could implement a more comprehensive lighting ordinance that requires all outdoor lighting fixtures to be properly shielded and directed downward to reduce light pollution. In addition, the city could encourage residents to switch to energy-efficient lighting solutions, such as LED bulbs, which are not only better for the environment but also emit less light pollution.
Marquette is a beautiful city located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the United States. While the city is known for its stunning scenery and natural beauty, it is also affected by light pollution, which can detract from its charm. Despite the challenges of reducing light pollution in a small city with a strong industrial presence, there are steps that can be taken to address this issue and ensure that Marquette remains a beautiful and environmentally-friendly place to live.