The blackout from space - Democratic Underground

Ivory_Tower

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Wed Aug-20-03 10:06 AM
Original message

The blackout from space

(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.

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ScreamingMeemie

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Wed Aug-20-03 10:10 AM
Response to Original message

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

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Ivory_Tower

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Wed Aug-20-03 10:13 AM
Response to Reply #1

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.

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Skinner ADMIN

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Wed Aug-20-03 10:12 AM
Response to Original message

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?

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Ivory_Tower

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Wed Aug-20-03 10:16 AM
Response to Reply #2

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).

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Rabrrrrrr

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Wed Aug-20-03 10:31 AM
Response to Reply #4

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.

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UrbScotty

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Wed Aug-20-03 10:56 AM
Response to Reply #2

7. Maybe people used generators...

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

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pansypoo53219

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Wed Aug-20-03 10:46 AM
Response to Original message

6. cool!

I miss having live NASA on cable here.

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