Night Earth

Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain

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Gran Canaria, Spain seen from the ISS
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Palmas de Gran Canaria, also known as Las Palmas, is the capital city of Gran Canaria, which is one of the Canary Islands, an autonomous community of Spain. With a population of approximately 380,000 inhabitants, it is the largest city in the Canary Islands and the ninth-largest city in Spain.

As a coastal city located in the Atlantic Ocean, Palmas de Gran Canaria has a warm and mild climate throughout the year, making it a popular destination for tourists. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, such as Playa de Las Canteras, which stretches for over three kilometers and is considered one of the best urban beaches in the world.

At night, the city comes to life with its vibrant nightlife, especially in the area of the old town known as Vegueta, which is famous for its bars and restaurants. The city's nightlife also includes a variety of cultural activities, such as theater and live music performances.

However, the city's night lights also contribute to significant light pollution. According to recent studies, Palmas de Gran Canaria has a light pollution level of approximately 19.74 mag/arcsec², which is considered moderate to high. This level of light pollution affects the quality of the night sky and can negatively impact the city's environment and the health of its inhabitants.

Several factors contribute to the city's light pollution. One of the most significant factors is the extensive use of outdoor lighting in the city's public spaces, commercial areas, and residential buildings. The city has also seen an increase in the use of LED lighting, which, while energy-efficient, can also contribute to light pollution due to its high-intensity light output.

Another factor that affects the city's light pollution is the increasing urbanization of the city. As the city continues to grow and develop, more buildings and infrastructure are being built, which require lighting at night. Additionally, the city's proximity to the airport means that it is subject to aircraft lights, which can also contribute to light pollution.

Despite the challenges of light pollution, Palmas de Gran Canaria is a city that continues to evolve and adapt to its changing environment. The city's inhabitants are proud of their rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in their customs and traditions. The city is also home to several landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Santa Ana, which dates back to the 16th century and is considered one of the most important religious buildings in the Canary Islands.

In terms of industry, Palmas de Gran Canaria is home to a diverse range of businesses, including tourism, shipping, and manufacturing. The city is also an important port and is strategically located between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, making it a hub for international trade.

Palmas de Gran Canaria is a vibrant coastal city with a rich cultural heritage and a bustling nightlife. However, it also faces significant challenges in terms of light pollution, which affect the city's environment and the health of its inhabitants. As the city continues to grow and develop, it will be essential to balance the need for outdoor lighting with efforts to reduce light pollution and protect the quality of the night sky.