Night Earth

Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia

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Surakarta, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia

Surakarta, also known as Solo, is a vibrant city located in the heart of Central Java, Indonesia. With a population of approximately 576,000 inhabitants, it is one of the largest cities in the region. Surakarta has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its traditional Javanese arts and crafts, as well as its delicious cuisine.

When the sun sets, Surakarta comes alive with an array of night lights that illuminate the city's streets and buildings. The city's most iconic landmark, the Keraton Surakarta, is a palace that was built in the 18th century and is located in the heart of the city. At night, the palace is lit up with colorful lights that highlight its intricate architecture and make it a popular spot for tourists.

In addition to the Keraton Surakarta, there are also several other landmarks that are illuminated at night, such as the Alun-Alun Lor, a large public square that is known for its stunning fountain and is a popular gathering place for locals. Another popular spot is the Tugu Lawan, a monument that commemorates the battle between the Dutch and Javanese forces in 1949.

However, with the increase in urbanization and development, Surakarta has also experienced an increase in light pollution. The city's growing population has led to an increase in the number of buildings and streetlights, which emit artificial light that can obscure the view of the stars and negatively affect the natural environment.

The main source of light pollution in Surakarta is the use of streetlights and outdoor lighting. Although these lights serve an important purpose in making the city safer and more accessible at night, they can also contribute to light pollution if they are not properly designed or installed. In addition, the habits of the people living in the city can also contribute to light pollution, such as leaving lights on unnecessarily or using bright lights for decoration.

Despite the increase in light pollution, Surakarta is still a beautiful city with many stunning sights to see at night. The estimated amount of light pollution in Surakarta is moderate, with an approximate Bortle Scale rating of 4 to 5. This means that some stars may be visible, but fainter objects may be difficult to see due to the bright sky glow.

Overall, Surakarta is a city that offers a unique blend of traditional Javanese culture and modern amenities. Although the city is facing challenges in reducing light pollution, it remains a vibrant and exciting place to visit and experience the night lights that illuminate its streets and landmarks.