A team of scientists from the Aerospace Information Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing has proposed a new method for monitoring light pollution using satellites. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine International Journal of Digital World (IJDE).
Experts took advantage of the capabilities of the SDGSAT-1 orbiter’s multispectral cameras, which allowed them to quickly recognize different light sources.
Scientists tested this method on the streets and squares of Beijing, testing images of the nighttime metropolis from space. The analysis showed that SDGSAT-1 equipment recognized artificial light sources with 92% accuracy and LED street lights, the main source of harmful blue light, with 95% accuracy.
Previous studies have shown that excessive blue light has a negative effect on the human retina.
A study of satellite images showed how light pollution levels vary in different parts of China’s capital. Scientists identified statistically significant differences between road classes and streetlight types.
According to the researchers, the use of satellites will optimize the illumination of city streets at night.
Ancient scientists using satellites was created Map of the world’s strongest sea current.