A image taken from space reveals a well-lit New Zealand by night, even in some of the smaller rural towns. NASA has released a map of the Earth at night, the first time since 2012, using newly improved, high-resolution graphics. On the New Zealand image (below), the snow-capped Southern Alps can be seen, and lights shining bright in some rural areas. The latest image of New Zealand at night , taken from space by NASA's VIIRS satellite project. The newly released images will help scientists plot population patterns, energy demand and study expansion of cities.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 18, 2017 02:37 UTC