Night Earth Map

Night Earth Map. Read an Earth Observatory feature about improvements and applications for night lights data Consider opening this content in Map Viewer to ensure the best experience.


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This layer presents a nighttime view of the Earth that provides an informational and educational view of our planet at night 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.

Map Viewer Classic is a deprecated product and will be removed in Q1 of 2026 Satellite images of Earth at night have been a curiosity for the public and a tool of fundamental research for at least 25 years Scientists are using images of Earth's dark side to gain insight on human activity and poorly understood natural events

. For more information on the imagery, please visit the NASA website, and view a list of available imagery products. The Night Earth map showcases the stark contrasts in urbanization and population density around the world, demonstrating how cities tend to concentrate along coastlines and transportation networks

. The Night Earth map is a fascinating tool that allows us to explore and understand the impact of light pollution on our planet Satellite images of Earth at night have been a curiosity for the public and a tool of fundamental research for at least 25 years