This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
Well, from 350 km (~220 miles) up civilization looks like clusters of lights nestled in river valleys and practically overflowing into the oceans or other bodies of water. I find the shot of the Nile River delta stunning. The United States looks like a web of highways (sigh).
For 7 billion people, there is a surprising amount of darkness. The shots of Siberia and parts of China are practically eery because of the absence of people. And then there is the 20% of the planet's population that you literally can't see because it lacks access to electricity, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa.
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These time lapse shots are expeditions 28 and 29 onboard the International Space Station (August to October 2011), and put together by Michael König.
To help you follow along, here are the shooting locations:
1. Aurora Borealis Pass over the United States at Night
2. Aurora Borealis and eastern United States at Night
3. Aurora Australis from Madagascar to southwest of Australia
4. Aurora Australis south of Australia
5. Northwest coast of United States to Central South America at Night
6. Aurora Australis from the Southern to the Northern Pacific Ocean
7. Halfway around the World
8. Night Pass over Central Africa and the Middle East
9. Evening Pass over the Sahara Desert and the Middle East
10. Pass over Canada and Central United States at Night
11. Pass over Southern California to Hudson Bay
12. Islands in the Philippine Sea at Night
13. Pass over Eastern Asia to Philippine Sea and Guam
14. Views of the Mideast at Night
15. Night Pass over Mediterranean Sea
16. Aurora Borealis and the United States at Night
17. Aurora Australis over Indian Ocean
18. Eastern Europe to Southeastern Asia at Night
Amazing video. Hat tip to Michael Moyer and Sheril Kirshenbaum for the heads-up. This video is so good it's worth posting twice!