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ISS Shares Nighttime Images of Tokyo, Delhi, New York, Singapore and São Paulo

The orbital snapshots spotlight urban light patterns used by researchers to trace energy use and city sprawl.

Overview

  • The space station posted a curated set on its X account, describing the five cities as among the most luminous seen from orbit during a recent night pass.
  • Delhi’s frame notes the Yamuna River dividing the city, a bright rectangle marking Indira Gandhi International Airport, an estimated 34.67 million metro population, and a capture time near 10:54 pm local.
  • Tokyo’s glow traces the curve of Tokyo Bay with illuminated rail lines, while New York’s view spans Long Island with Central Park visible as a dark rectangle.
  • Singapore’s image highlights Changi Airport and the Pasir Panjang container port, and São Paulo appears awash in white LED lighting.
  • The posts drew social media comments praising the brightness and questioning Delhi’s pollution, as coverage tied the visuals to rising energy demand with rapid urbanisation.