NASA maps show Earth's brightest and darkest regions at night
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- NASA's new maps, based on nearly a decade of data from the "Black Marble" program, reveal complex patterns in artificial light use worldwide from 2014 to 2022 rather than a simple increase.
- The study found that while overall radiance increased by 34%, dimming offset 18%, indicating intensified fluctuations in nighttime lighting due to factors like industrial activity, policy changes, and energy transitions.
- Regional trends showed West Coast US cities brightening with population growth, East Coast dimming due to energy-efficient lighting and economic shifts, and brighter nights in China and northern India linked to urban development.
- Europe experienced widespread dimming attributed to energy conservation efforts, with a notable decrease in 2022 following the Ukraine war and resulting energy crisis.
- The research highlights that human impact on nighttime illumination is dynamic and multifaceted, reflecting a balance of brightening and dimming rather than uniform growth.