Archive · 21 Nov 2025
World's Brightest Cities at Night: A Space View
The International Space Station shared stunning nighttime photos of five bright, bustling cities: Tokyo, New Delhi, New York, Singapore, and São Paulo.
These pictures show how much light and activity there is in these big cities, even from space.
New photographs from the International Space Station (ISS) show five of the world's most luminous cities at night.
The cities are Tokyo, New Delhi, New York, Singapore, and São Paulo.
The images highlight the extent of urban lighting and human activity in these metropolises.
The ISS noted these cities' significant light pollution, visible even from space.
The photographs showcase the unique layouts and geographical features of each city.
- Who
- The International Space Station (ISS)
- What
- Shared nighttime photos of five cities
- When
- Recently
- Where
- From the ISS, above Earth
- Why
- To showcase human activity and light pollution in major cities
Environmentalists
Urban Planners
Light pollution
Environmentalists
Concern about negative impacts on wildlife and human health
Urban Planners
Importance of well-lit cities for safety and economic activity
- Cities
- Tokyo, New Delhi, New York, Singapore, São Paulo
- Population (approx.)
- Tokyo: 39 million, New Delhi: 30 million, New York: 8.4 million, Singapore: 5.7 million, São Paulo: 23 million
- Distinguishing features
- Tokyo: Extensive rail network, New Delhi: Yamuna River, New York: Central Park, Singapore: Changi Airport, São Paulo: LED illumination
