Scientists at the SAS have developed a new method for measuring light pollution from satellite images
A team of scientists from the Institute of Construction and Architecture of the Slovak Academy of Sciences is participating in the development of a method that, for the first time, enables determining the critical amount of artificial light emitted by cities into the surrounding environment from satellite night images.
These emissions spread almost horizontally and play a key role in the transmission of light pollution beyond urban boundaries. "Previous satellite systems have not been able to detect this type of emission reliably. The new method uses analysis of diffuse light around cities, which allows us to obtain the directional distribution of emissions," explains Miroslav Kocifaj from the Institute of Construction and Architecture SAS.
The results provide the first global overview of which cities emit a significant proportion of light at low elevations and the impact their lighting has on the broader night environment. The data obtained allows for a more accurate assessment of the environmental impact of urban lighting, identification of the most problematic areas, and more effective planning of measures to reduce light pollution. The research also opens up a new direction in monitoring nighttime light emissions and provides an essential tool for protecting nighttime ecosystems.
Source and image: Institute of Construction and Architecture SAS
Photo: canva.com