- Feb 5, 2002
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Our night sky is getting brighter and brighter – not because of the moon, but because of artificial lighting.
While outdoor lighting is a necessary part of modern society, its widespread use has reshaped natural darkness, affected human and animal health and made the night sky harder to see.
According to a new study that analyzed a combination of satellite images, artificial nighttime lights have brightened Earth by 16% between 2014 and 2022. Researchers from University of Connecticut found that nights are gradually becoming brighter worldwide, though trends vary by region, particularly in areas affected by war or natural disasters. The findings were published in Nature.
In 2022, the United States had by far the highest total luminosity of any country, followed by China, India, Canada and Brazil.
Continued below.
While outdoor lighting is a necessary part of modern society, its widespread use has reshaped natural darkness, affected human and animal health and made the night sky harder to see.
According to a new study that analyzed a combination of satellite images, artificial nighttime lights have brightened Earth by 16% between 2014 and 2022. Researchers from University of Connecticut found that nights are gradually becoming brighter worldwide, though trends vary by region, particularly in areas affected by war or natural disasters. The findings were published in Nature.
In 2022, the United States had by far the highest total luminosity of any country, followed by China, India, Canada and Brazil.
Continued below.
Earth's glow is growing. NASA imagery reveals the brightest regions
About 80% of Americans can't see the Milky Way due to artificial light pollution. A new study shows where it has gotten worse.
www.usatoday.com