How many miles away can an airplane see the light pollution from Los Angeles?

To determine how far an airplane can see the light pollution from Los Angeles, consider the visibility of light pollution in relation to altitude. Airplanes typically fly at cruising altitudes ranging from 30,000 to 40,000 feet. At these heights, the visibility of light pollution can significantly extend due to the clearer line of sight and the intensity of the lights.

The answer of 200 miles aligns with estimates that consider the atmospheric conditions, the brightness of urban light sources, and the geography of the surrounding areas. Major cities like Los Angeles produce substantial light pollution that can be visible from great distances, especially when viewed from an elevated vantage point such as an airplane.

In this context, the other distances provided (150, 175, and 225 miles) may not accurately reflect the conditions or the common estimations made regarding the visibility range of urban light pollution from such altitudes. Thus, 200 miles is a reasonable approximation that takes into account the factors influencing the visibility of light pollution from high altitudes.