April 12, 2017

NASA scientists have just released the first new global map of Earth at night since 2012. This nighttime look at our home planet, dubbed the Black Marble, provides researchers with a unique perspective of human activities around the globe. By studying Earth at night, researchers can investigate how cities expand, monitor light intensity to estimate energy use and economic activity, and aid in disaster response.

What lights illuminate your neighborhood? Download a high-resolution version of the Black Marble here, and find out more about NASA’s new night lights data here.

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