A NASA-commissioned study by the University of Connecticut indicates that global nighttime artificial light radiance increased by 16% between 2014 and 2022 due to human activities, outpacing global population growth.

The most significant increases were observed in Asian regions, including China and northern India.

The latest NASA study also points out that while global nighttime artificial light radiance increased by 16% between 2014 and 2022, exceeding global population growth, the most significant increases were observed in Asian regions, including China and northern India.

However, the study also notes that due to the widespread use of LED lighting and energy-saving measures, nighttime brightness has actually decreased in regions like France, the UK, and the US East Coast.

According to the study, the actual increase in global nighttime light radiance should be 34% due to urban development.

However, economic recession and light pollution regulations have led to dimming in some areas, offsetting approximately 18% of this increase.

The research team pointed out that the areas experiencing a decline in brightness include Europe, where the widespread adoption of LED lighting and energy-saving measures have led to a 33% decrease in brightness in France, a 22% decrease in the UK, and a 21% decrease in the Netherlands.

Much of the US East Coast has also seen a dimming trend due to increased LED lighting use.

This study utilized NASA’s Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer (VIIRS), which took daily early morning images between 2014 and 2022, collecting approximately 1.16 million satellite images.

These images were then analyzed after filtering for moonlight, clouds, and atmospheric interference.

The research team described this method as “wearing smart glasses,” enabling more accurate identification of nighttime light changes.

The findings have been published in the journal Nature.

According to NASA, the VIIRS sensor, carried by the Earth Science Satellite, orbits the Earth at a speed exceeding 25,749 kilometers per hour and is capable of identifying minute light sources, such as highway toll booths.