NASA Nightlights Reveal Shifting Energy Landscape, Global Volatility

Satellite data shows dramatic changes in nighttime illumination around the world over the past decade.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:12am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly textured, abstract painting in earthy tones of ochre, sienna, and indigo, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals, conceptually representing the complex patterns of global nighttime light intensity and change over the past decade.NASA satellite data reveals the dynamic global shifts in nighttime illumination, tracking the heartbeat of the planet's energy landscape.Greenbelt Today

New analysis of NASA satellite imagery shows dramatic shifts in global nighttime lighting patterns over the past decade, with areas of both brightening and dimming as energy production, consumption, and conservation trends evolve. The findings reveal surging gas flaring in major U.S. oil and gas regions, as well as policy-driven changes in lighting in Europe and Asia.

Why it matters

The nighttime light data provides a unique window into global energy dynamics, allowing scientists and policymakers to track changes in energy production, distribution, and usage in near real-time. This can inform decisions around energy security, environmental impact, and infrastructure planning.

The details

The study, led by researchers at the University of Connecticut, analyzed 1.6 million satellite images collected by NASA's Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) sensors over a 9-year period from 2014 to 2022. The data revealed intense flaring over major U.S. oil and gas fields like the Permian Basin, as well as dimming in parts of Europe and Asia due to energy efficiency measures and economic shifts.

  • The study period covered 2014 to 2022, a time when domestic oil and gas production in the U.S. reached record levels.
  • The European energy crisis that followed the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 coincided with a sharp dimming of nighttime lights across the continent.

The players

Miguel Román

Deputy director for atmospheres and data systems at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Tian Li

Researcher at the University of Connecticut and co-lead author of the study.

Zhe Zhu

Director of the Global Environmental Remote Sensing Laboratory at the University of Connecticut and co-lead author of the study.

Deborah Gordon

Methane expert at the non-profit Rocky Mountain Institute who was not involved in the study.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Unlocking energy sector insights is just one way NASA data is advancing national security interests at a critical time.”

— Miguel Román, Deputy director for atmospheres and data systems at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

“Letting operators, investors, and insurers know that this is happening is a huge value proposition, both privately and publicly to the world. And it all starts with taxpayer dollars and NASA.”

— Deborah Gordon, Methane expert at the Rocky Mountain Institute

“Tracking such dips and flares night after night 'is like watching the heartbeat of the planet'.”

— Zhe Zhu, Director of the Global Environmental Remote Sensing Laboratory at the University of Connecticut

What’s next

Scientists and policymakers plan to continue using the NASA nightlight data to monitor global energy trends and inform decisions around energy security, environmental impact, and infrastructure planning.

The takeaway

NASA's nighttime satellite imagery is providing unprecedented insights into the shifting global energy landscape, revealing both industrial booms and busts, as well as the impact of policy changes and technological advancements on energy consumption and conservation around the world.