Earth at Night - National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

English language

Published July 30, 2020 by Independently Published.

ISBN:: 979-8-6545-0908-6

(1 review)

Dazzling photographs and images from space of our planet’s nightlights have captivated public attention for decades. In such images, patterns are immediately seen based on the presence or absence of light: a distinct coastline, bodies of water recognizable by their dark silhouettes, and the faint tendrils of roads and highways emanating from the brilliant blobs of light that are our modern, well-lit cities.

For nearly 25 years, satellite images of Earth at night have served as a fundamental research tool, while also stoking public curiosity. These images paint an expansive and revealing picture, showing how humans have illuminated and shaped the planet in profound ways since the invention of the light bulb 140 years ago.

These lights and the darkness tell stories about our planet—stories that this volume will present for your consideration. Earth at Night will show how humans and natural phenomena light up the darkness, and how and …

Dazzling photographs and images from space of our planet’s nightlights have captivated public attention for decades. In such images, patterns are immediately seen based on the presence or absence of light: a distinct coastline, bodies of water recognizable by their dark silhouettes, and the faint tendrils of roads and highways emanating from the brilliant blobs of light that are our modern, well-lit cities.

For nearly 25 years, satellite images of Earth at night have served as a fundamental research tool, while also stoking public curiosity. These images paint an expansive and revealing picture, showing how humans have illuminated and shaped the planet in profound ways since the invention of the light bulb 140 years ago.

These lights and the darkness tell stories about our planet—stories that this volume will present for your consideration. Earth at Night will show how humans and natural phenomena light up the darkness, and how and why scientists have observed Earth’s nightlights for more than four decades using both their own eyes and spaceborne instruments. It is an engaging and fascinating story; come along for the adventure!

1 edition

Soh Kam Yung reviewed Earth at Night - National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) by National Aeronautics and Space Administration

A look at the Earth at night, from space.

3 stars

An interesting book looking at the Earth at night from space.

It first looks at natural night images of the Earth, as illuminated by natural phenomenon like forest or bush fires, volcanoes, the moon, clouds and lightning, snow and ice, the auroras and atmospheric air glow.

The second section looks at artificial night images, illuminated by urban constructions (cities blocks, factories, refineries) and urban living. Another section looks at before and after images of night views after disasters like hurricanes, wars.

All in all, the book shows a different view of world: how it looks like illuminated at night. It is quite different from normal daylight views of the world as the sources of lighting isn't only the sun, but may be several sources that may or may not follow the contours of the land that can mislead the eye.

There are explanations provided with each image that help explain …

An interesting book looking at the Earth at night from space.

It first looks at natural night images of the Earth, as illuminated by natural phenomenon like forest or bush fires, volcanoes, the moon, clouds and lightning, snow and ice, the auroras and atmospheric air glow.

The second section looks at artificial night images, illuminated by urban constructions (cities blocks, factories, refineries) and urban living. Another section looks at before and after images of night views after disasters like hurricanes, wars.

All in all, the book shows a different view of world: how it looks like illuminated at night. It is quite different from normal daylight views of the world as the sources of lighting isn't only the sun, but may be several sources that may or may not follow the contours of the land that can mislead the eye.

There are explanations provided with each image that help explain what the reader is seeing and how to interpret the images, as well as pointing out certain points of interest in each image.