Video will play in Play now Don't auto playNever auto playA 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. The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) used is able to capture night-time shots at an unprecedented resolution, according to ScienceAlert. On the New Zealand image, the snow-capped Southern Alps can be seen, and lights shining bright in some rural areas. The newly released images will help scientists plot population patterns, energy demand and study expansion of cities.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 18, 2017 00:07 UTC