Stunning Nighttime Photo from International Space Station Reveals Urbanization and Light Pollution in Antalya, Türkiye
An astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has captured a breathtaking nighttime photograph of the coastal Mediterranean city of Antalya, Türkiye. The image, taken on September 17, 2022, showcases the striking contrast between brightly lit urban infrastructure and unilluminated parks and natural areas.
This high-resolution photograph not only provides a captivating view of Antalya but also holds significant value for researchers studying light pollution and urbanization. The image offers valuable data on how artificial lights impact the environment and contribute to the loss of darkness in the night sky.
The photograph vividly captures various human-made structures within Antalya. From an airport and highways to roads and shipping ports, the city’s bustling urban life is well-represented. However, what stands out are the Taurus Mountains, which serve as a border to Antalya. The mountains are dotted with dark areas and small settlements, forming a stark contrast to the bright city lights.
One notable feature in the image is the agriculture along the Aksu River. The river supports the local community and horticulture crop irrigation, as evident from the patches of lush greenery in the photograph. It is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of urban development and agricultural practices in Antalya.
The coastal line is adorned with an array of bright lights in white, blue-green, and purple hues. These lights indicate popular tourist locations, such as resorts and beaches, which attract visitors from around the world. Moreover, the contrasting colors of the lights signify the shift from older warm-hued, high-pressure sodium lighting to energy-efficient LED lights, as the city embraces more sustainable lighting solutions.
The stunning photograph was taken by a member of the Expedition 67 crew using a Nikon D5 digital camera. It has been cropped, enhanced, and made available by the ISS Crew Earth Observations Facility and the Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Johnson Space Center.
This captivating image is part of the ISS National Lab’s commitment to providing valuable images for research purposes and offering unrestricted access to scientists and the public. These efforts aim to deepen our understanding of the Earth’s changing landscape and inspire conversations about sustainable development practices.
As we marvel at the beauty captured in this image, let us also reflect on the importance of preserving natural areas, reducing light pollution, and establishing a balance between urbanization and environmental conservation in our modern world.
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