Earth's artificial lighting has increased by 16% between 2014 and 2022, according to a new study analyzing more than 1.1 million satellite images over a nine-year period.

Researchers at the University of Connecticut, working with NASA funding, documented the global increase in artificial light but found that the location and intensity of this growth has become increasingly volatile in recent years.

The study identified several factors contributing to the fluctuating patterns of light growth, including the impact of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the implementation of light pollution regulations in various regions, and economic instability affecting global development patterns.

The research represents one of the most comprehensive analyses of global artificial lighting trends to date, using satellite imagery to track changes in illumination across the planet's surface over nearly a decade.

The findings highlight how human activity and policy decisions can significantly influence patterns of artificial lighting, which has implications for energy consumption, environmental impact, and astronomical observations affected by light pollution.