After sunset the borders of "The City of Angels" are defined as much by its dark terrain features as by its well-lit grid of streets and freeways.
Published Apr 6, 2003
This nighttime astronaut photo shows the city lights of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates on September 11, 2009.
Published Sep 28, 2009
After dark, a fiesta of lights provides the outline for Spain and Portugal.
Published Dec 26, 2011
In this astronaut photograph from the International Space Station, the lights of Qatar show informative demographic detail that is very difficult to discern in daylight images.
Published Nov 12, 2012
City lights trace the outline of Italy's “boot” and the island of Sicily.
Published Jul 4, 2011
This nighttime photograph of Tokyo, Japan, was taken by International Space Station astronaut Dan Tani on February 5, 2008. The heart of the city is brightest, with ribbons of lights radiating outward from the center along streets and railways.
Published Apr 22, 2008
Satellite data reveals increases in December holiday lighting in the United States, mostly in the suburbs.
Published Dec 17, 2014Image of the Day Unique Imagery Human Presence Remote Sensing
The human landscape of Arabian cities stands out clearly when you see the lights.
Published Dec 30, 2013
Alternating clusters of light and darkness show where civilization has carved out a place alongside and amidst the deserts.
Published Dec 11, 2017
Distinct colors mark the communities and commerce along the Tsushima Strait, between Japan and South Korea.
Published Oct 19, 2014
Several of the oldest cities of northwestern Europe are highlighted in this nighttime astronaut photograph from August 10, 2011.
Published Aug 29, 2011
The peninsula is highly recognizable even at night, especially when looking north, as our map-trained brains expect.
Published Nov 17, 2014
This animated globe shows the city lights of the world as they appeared to the new Suomi NPP satellite, which has at least 10 times better light-resolving power than previous night-viewing satellites.
Published Dec 6, 2012Image of the Day Land Water Fires Unique Imagery Human Presence Remote Sensing
At night, the Nile River Valley and Delta resemble a giant flower in this image from October 13, 2012.
Published Dec 28, 2012
