


This satellite uses the “day-night band” of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), which detects light in a range of wavelengths from green to near-infrared and uses filtering techniques to observe dim signals such as gas flares, auroras, wildfires, city lights, and reflected moonlight. It took over nine days in April 2012 and thirteen days in October 2012, during 312 orbits at 824 kilometers (512 miles) to capture the whole Earth.

While certain regions may appear to be the brightest, they may not necessarily be the most heavily populated. One of the map's notable features is its ability to highlight the differences between brightness and population density. It showcases the stark contrasts in urbanization and population density around the world, demonstrating how cities tend to concentrate along coastlines and transportation networks. By providing a visual representation of the Earth's surface at night, the map reveals the areas that are brightly lit and urbanized, as well as those that remain unlit and remote. The Night Earth map is a fascinating tool that allows us to explore and understand the impact of light pollution on our planet.
