Think of similar debates that might form part of wrap-up and reflection activities after the KAO flights. The KAO flies with its telescope looking out into space, well above the light pollution of cities. If all goes well, we'll try and have the KAO astronomers or Telescope Operator report on the number of stars they can see in the Pleiades cluster from the airplane. The quality of the night sky depends on your altitude, the weather, and the amount of light in the sky. During a full moon, for instance, it's much harder to see faint objects.
Cities create a sky glow that's even worse than the full moon.
The effect of urban light pollution depends upon your distance from the city, the size of the city, and your city's lighting practices. Some cities are more wasteful than others, but on average a city produces between 500 and 1,000 lumens of light per person. Porch lights, car lights, shopping centers, sports arenas and office buildings all contribute to the lighting. This activity tests your vision and the quality of your night sky. Locate the Pleiades star cluster near Taurus the Bull.