Can we substitute great no of light sources what we have during night time with one great source ?

Question

We are utilising more electric power during night times just to get light.This is being done by individuals.Can a common light source at a great height and with great volume replace it.What i mean to say is "an artificial sun" during night time.this may be a common one for entire earth or different ones for a different areas.

Answer 1

Not economically.  The 1/r^2 losses would make it impractical.

Answer 2

This has been proposed many times to lengthen growing seasons, and using less enegry; sending giant reflective dishes into orbit.  The problem is the near continuous half-day-light would be unhealthy for sleep patterns both for animal and man.  Especially those of us who have enough trouble going to sleep.