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Composite Of Earth At Night

Posted by michael on from the wallpaper dept.

crmartin writes "Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is an incredible composite image of Earth from space at night. Actually a composite from many pictures from the Defense Meteorological Satellites Program (DMSP), it's like a skeletal view of the Earth in tiny lights. If you really like it, there are hi-res images up to a 40 megabyte TIFF."

6 of 467 comments (clear)

  1. hum by borgdows · · Score: 5, Insightful

    interestingly, we clearly see northkorea (black) surrounded by light (southkorea and china)

  2. What a waste! by keoghp · · Score: 5, Insightful

    All that light headed skywards when it was intended for the ground. Apart from the waste of valuable resources good old Mr Alien can see us!

    --
    For problems, seek only the simplest solution, complexity brings with it more problems.
    1. Re:What a waste! by optimus2861 · · Score: 5, Insightful

      When I visited the UK a couple of years ago, what struck me was the unnatural glow that's ever-present around the horizon at night from the incredible amount of light being poured into the night sky; it looks as if it's perpetually an hour after sunset. Very few stars ever come out. Most of that light was probably from London, even though I was over an hour's drive north of the city. Being raised in rural Canada, I could always just go out into the front yard, look up, and get an awesome view of the night sky, including the Milky Way on a clear, moonless night. I feel some pity for kids being raised in those environments where they'll never be able to see it.

  3. 2002? by Xetrov · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Anyone else notice the 2002 date on the image?

  4. Re:Africa by frovingslosh · · Score: 5, Insightful

    gee, that's kind of negative. I looked at it as there are still some places without light polution.

    --
    I'm an American. I love this country and the freedoms that we used to have.
  5. Amatuer Astronomers (and Pros) Cringe by Average_Joe_Sixpack · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Light pollution is overlooked by most of the populace, but to us amatuer astronomers it is a royal pain in the ass. I now have to travel 3 hours into the rural sticks to get a glimpse of the Milky Way (I'd have to get on a plane and travel to Africa to enjoy it in its full glory). I'd be willing to bet that half the US population has never even seen the galactic clouds of the Milky Way ... which is a shame because it borders on a religous experience.

    Not to sound like Smokey the Bear but please Please do your part in help preventing light pollution and save a little extra in your monthly energy costs in the process. Use motion sensors for your outside security lights and timers for walkway lighting. Blinds and curtains to prevent inside lighting from leaking out into the neighborhood.

    You'd be suprised how many backyard astronomers there are!!

    More info on the problem:
    International Dark Sky Association