The blackout from space

[Ivory_Tower]

(Did a search and didn't see this posted. Sorry if it's a dupe.)

An Air Force satellite caught before-and-after images of the Northeast blackout:



A stark reminder of the extent of light pollution, for the astronomy buffs out there.

[ScreamingMeemie]

1. Did they have before and after Detroit on there?

[Ivory_Tower]

3. If they did, they aren't telling

I found the pic on NASA's Space Weather site, and it was the only one they had (or at least the only one I saw). Not sure if the Air Force has their own public web site for these images.

Sorry.

[Skinner]

2. Very cool images.

Thanks for posting this.

I am curious about one thing, though. Clearly the affected areas are not *totally* dark. There are faint lights in some places. What would explain those lights? Would automobile headlights be enough? Or is there something else?

[Ivory_Tower]

4. I doubt they're headlights

Otherwise we'd see them in Toronto, too. My guess is that either (a) it wasn't a 100% blackout (just major portions of the grid) or (b) the second image was taken after some power had already been restored.

Probably (b).

[Rabrrrrrr]

5. It was taken shortly after 9 pm

And I remember on the radio, at about that time, saying that parts of Jersey were back in service, and I think even the northenrmost oart of the Bronx and parts of CT, etc., so likely the extra light is from those areas not affected, or already back in service.

[UrbScotty]

7. Maybe people used generators...

...and the light we see is from generator-powered homes, businesses, etc.

[pansypoo53219]

6. cool!

I miss having live NASA on cable here.