Researchers have been using satellite images of Earth at night to study human activity for almost 30 years and it is well established that these images – commonly referred to as night-time radiance – can help map issues like economic growth, poverty, and inequality, especially in places where data are lacking. (Note that clouds and sunlight are added for aesthetic effect.Despite successes in reducing poverty globally in the last two decades, almost one billion people are still living without access to reliable and affordable electricity, which in turn negatively affects health and welfare, and impedes sustainable development. The image shows Earth’s night lights as observed in 2016 it is drawn from a compositing technique that selected the best cloud-free nights in each month over each land mass in 2016. This image of Earth at night provides a clear view of the patterns of human settlements across our planet.” It added, “Satellite images of Earth at night – often referred to as “night lights” – provide a broad beautiful picture showing how humans shaped the planet and lit up the darkness. The American agency began the caption by saying, “Shining, shimmering, splendid. NASA shared the picture along with a lengthy caption, wherein the agency explained the background of the image taken from the satellite. All in all, the space agency’s latest post shows earth in “shining, shimmering, splendid” avatar and the internet is going gaga over how “bright” India looks. This is not only done to obtain a clearer image of the earth but also makes it easier to compare among human patterns in different months and in varied nations. The picture that was captured in 2016 during the night time, “shows how humans shaped the planet and lit up the darkness.” In the caption, NASA revealed that the photo is drawn from a special composting technique that works amazingly by choosing the “best cloud-free nights” every month. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, thrilled the internet by sharing an old satellite image of earth, which gives a clear view of human settlement across the globe.

Night satellite view of earth