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Why does this picture go viral on Diwali every year?

Part of Other Side of the Story

Screenshot of a tweet claiming to show India lit up from space because of Diwali
Taken from X

Have you seen this picture?

Every year, this image floods social media, racking up views, clicks, comments and going viral, but did you know it's not what everyone says it is?

The apparent satellite image of India lit up during the festival of Diwali, has consistently popped up online, gaining widespread attention, however, there’s an interesting story behind this picture, which highlights the importance of questioning what you see on your socials, and not always accepting everything as the absolute truth.

What is Diwali?

Diwali, also known as ‘the festival of lights’, is one of the biggest celebrations in the Hindu calender, and is also celebrated by Sikhs and Jains.

It takes place over five days and is a joyous occasion where families come together, exchange gifts, share meals and watch firework displays.

Why is this image so widely spread?

During Diwali, many Hindus will decorate their homes, shops and places of worship with diyas (clay lamps) and lights.

Because of this, some people have taken this image to show the lights spread across India on the night of Diwali.

However, while the lights in the image may be real (though recoloured) – they have nothing to do with Diwali!

A infrared photo of India from above, taken by a NASA satellite, showing the lights visible from space on Diwali night in 2012.
Image of India taken from NASA Earth Observatory

What does the image actually show?

The photo is actually a combination of several different images created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The images were intended to highlight population growth in India, by highlighting the change in visible light in cities between 1992 and 2003.

The white areas show city lights that were visible before 1992. The blue ones indicate lights that appeared in 1992, while the green and red ones indicate those that appeared in 1998 and 2003 respectively.

What does a satellite image on Diwali night actually look like?

While Diwali may be known as ‘the festival of lights’, unfortunately the lights used would be far too small to be pictured from space. NASA themselves have debunked the rumour saying “Any extra light produced during Diwali is so subtle that it is likely imperceptible when observed from space”.

However, in 2012, NASA did publish this photo which actually shows a satellite image of India on Diwali night.

A infrared photo of India from above, taken by a NASA satellite, showing the lights visible from space on Diwali night in 2012.
Image of India taken from NASA Earth Observatory
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