Satellites Show Disturbing Images of North Korea

Seismic activity was detected after the blast of North Korea’s latest nuclear test. The U.S. Geological survey was able to pinpoint the location of the blast. Google maps show Nuclear Test Road, leading up a mountain and Nuclear Test Facility. The location of the blast is not far from Nuclear test Road.

As a very closed-off country, not a lot is known about North Korea from first-hand accounts. In this case, we only have satellite data about the country's recent activity. And that geographical information can reveal more than the country probably wants revealed. 

Other disturbing images of North Korea include satellite images of gulags, brutal concentration camps. North Korea has denied the existence of these camps, but the satellite images serve as compelling evidence, evidence that could prompt action to end these atrocities. 

Until then, we can only continue to improve our maps and understanding of the world. "We know this map is not perfect," Google senior product manager Jayanth Mysore said in a statement posted online, referring to the project of creating an accurate map of North Korea. "One of the exciting things about maps is that the world is a constantly changing place."

Physical Map of North Korea

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Lights Seen from Space: Cities…and Lightning Flashes?

Severe storms have been sweeping across southern states for the last two days and are now currently spreading across eastern parts of the United States. So far the storms have included 430 thunderstorm reports, 20 large hail reports and nine tornado reports.

Last night, the Suomi NPP satellite snapped a photo of not only city lights but also lightning flashes from the storm. In this photo, the satellite captured lights from several major cities not covered by clouds including Atlanta, Georgia, Nashville, Tennessee and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Also visible are lights not associated with any city; these lights show lightning flashes from the severe storm.

Satellite imaging technology allows us to view the world in great detail. Satellites are able to capture daytime images  that keep our database of roads, buildings, and topography up-to-date. They also warn us of impending natural disasters, as well as perspective on the damage they caused. But at night, we get a view we could only imagine before our ascent into space:

Earth at Night Map

Maps of satellite images from space showcase the entire world at night. Taken from series of images from cloudless nights over a year period to show the clearest rendering of topography and lights, this map shows a unique perspective of the world. Zoom in on the Earth at Night Map to see details of the night sky from space! These lights include urban areas, forest fires and natural gas burn off. This map would make a great gift or decor piece for anyone who loves space, travel or technological art.