Artificially Lit Area Of The Earth

The distinction between day and night is disappearing in the most heavily populated regions of the Earth, a rapid shift with profound consequences for human health and the environment, according to a paper published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances.

Satellite data showed Earth's artificially lit outdoor surface at night grew by about 2 percent annually in brightness and area from 2012 to 2016, researchers said on Wednesday, underscoring concerns about the ecological effects of light pollution on people and animals.

The distinction between day and night is disappearing in the most heavily populated regions of the Earth, a rapid shift with profound consequences for human health and the environment, according to a paper published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances.

Satellite data showed Earth's artificially lit outdoor surface at night grew by about 2 percent annually in brightness and area from 2012 to 2016, researchers said on Wednesday, underscoring concerns about the ecological effects of light pollution on people and animals.