Italy at Night, NASA Image Tile

Satellite images of Earth at night—often referred to as “night lights”—have been a curiosity for the public and a tool of fundamental research for at least 25 years. They have provided a broad, beautiful picture, showing how humans have shaped the planet and lit up the darkness. Produced every decade or so, such maps have spawned hundreds of pop-culture uses and dozens of economic, social science, and environmental research projects. By removing natural and stray light sources, researchers get a clearer picture of the human footprint on Earth. Image of the Day for April 13, 2017 Instrument: Suomi NPP — VIIRS Appears in these Collections: Applied Sciences Earth at Night https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/90008/night-light-maps-open-up-new-applications