Night Earth

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

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Edmonton, Canada seen from the ISS
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Edmonton, the capital city of the province of Alberta in Canada, is known for its vibrant night lights, which attract tourists and residents alike. The city has a population of around 1 million people, making it the second-largest city in the province after Calgary. The city is situated in the central region of Alberta and has a continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers.

One of the most prominent landmarks in Edmonton is the High Level Bridge, a steel truss bridge that spans the North Saskatchewan River. The bridge is illuminated at night, giving it a striking appearance against the dark sky. Another landmark is the Muttart Conservatory, which consists of four glass pyramids that house a variety of plants and flowers. The pyramids are also illuminated at night, adding to the city's night lights.

The city's downtown area is particularly known for its night lights, with numerous high-rise buildings and skyscrapers lighting up the skyline. The most prominent of these buildings is the iconic CN Tower, which stands at 149 meters tall and is lit up with various colors at night. The Telus World of Science building is another prominent feature of the city's skyline, with its unique architecture and eye-catching lights.

However, as with many cities, Edmonton suffers from light pollution. Light pollution is caused by the excessive and inappropriate use of artificial light, which can have negative effects on the environment, human health, and astronomical observations. In Edmonton, the primary cause of light pollution is the city's street lighting system, which uses high-intensity sodium vapor lights that emit large amounts of light into the night sky.

Additionally, the city's urban sprawl has contributed to the problem, with numerous shopping centers, office buildings, and residential areas using bright lights that contribute to light pollution. Despite these challenges, the city has made efforts to reduce light pollution through the use of more energy-efficient lighting systems, such as LED lights, and by implementing lighting ordinances that limit the amount of light allowed in certain areas.

Edmonton is a vibrant and bustling city with a thriving nightlife and a diverse range of attractions that are illuminated at night. While the city's night lights are certainly a sight to behold, they also contribute to light pollution, which can have negative effects on the environment and human health. Through the use of more sustainable and energy-efficient lighting systems and the implementation of lighting ordinances, the city can work towards reducing light pollution and preserving the beauty of its night sky.