Someone emailed this to me. Thought BT folks would enjoy seeing the world and Bonaire from a different perspective.
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/image/0011/earthlights_dmsp_big.jpg

ooohhh, beautiful, Paul. Thanks

awesome!

i totally enjoyed that view of the earth, and had to share with my co-workers, we all enjoyed it.

Breathtaking! I want to live in one of the spots that is not totally lighted up like a Christmas Tree....New Jersey looks awfully bright from space! This is a treat to us "older folks" but I am certain it is "old hat" to the kids today. Amazing. Thanks for the link. Carole

the image also shows why astronomers, both professional and amateur, have so much trouble. The amount of light pollution we generate is staggering.

It'd be nice if streetlights and such lit their intended target (street) and had reflectors/hoods on them to avoid sending light skyward or sideways. Certainly light will reflect off the streets, but that can't be helped. Use of reflector hoods might also permit use of lower-wattage bulbs for the same desired lighting effect, saving energy.

We live far enough out in the country that we see stars at night. In many large urban areas, kids are growing up without seeing the stars...

Wow!!

I would give anything to be living way out in the middle of nowhere where there is no distracting light. I remember the first time I was ever in Hawaii....seeing the stars and the constellations in the sky and my mouth agape with my jaw ajar....could not believe what I was seeing. Just laid down on the ground and stared up into the heavens for hours on end. So breathtaking and relaxing. Can't see anything like that in New Jersey....not where I am, at least. Used to love camping in the desert and up int the Sierras, too, just for that reason. Carole

Paul, thanks for sharing that link with us.

Daniel, I understand that newer lighting is parabolic in nature (I believe it's referred to as PAR). Makes a lot of sense to reflect the light downward, not only to prevent light pollution, but because it's more efficient. Don't imagine this will improve the situation, though, as the continued urbanization will add additional lighting faster than the benefits of PAR will be realized.

It's a shame...one of the things I like best about our hot tub is sitting in it and watching the stars. The light pollution was bad enough, and then the neighbor installed a 24/7 security light.

Steve

Has anyone noticed that in the picture the entire earth is dark? You know there is always daylight somewhere...

Wasn't said it was all taken at the same time!! For the very reason you mention, it must be a composite of darkness pics. Sort of hard to see the electric lights under the sun, isn't it, if they are even on in local daytime???