Experience Minimal Light Pollution in Enchanting Iceland

Iceland, a mesmerizing and secluded destination, bewitches visitors with its striking landscapes, geysers, and waterfalls during the day, and leaves them in awe of the aurora borealis at night. One fascinating feature that draws astronomy enthusiasts to Iceland is its near absence of light pollution, as depicted in this 2017 image.

Captured by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the Suomi NPP satellite, the image showcases Iceland in its entirety by eliminating cloud cover through infrared observation. It clearly highlights the sparse human settlements across the island.

Over half of Iceland’s population, around 190,000 people, resides in the brightly lit southwest region – the capital, Reykjavik. A significant portion of the remaining population lives near the capital, with several small towns situated close to Keflavik International Airport, visible as a cluster of lights to the left of Reykjavik.

Apart from a few isolated settlements in the island’s interior, where livestock farming is primarily practiced, most of the population dwells in coastal towns and villages. The Snæfellsnes peninsula, situated north of the capital, is noteworthy for its luminosity, housing several small fishing villages and a handful of farms.

In stark contrast, the rest of the island is practically uninhabited. In the north, the only significant urban area is Akureyri, home to approximately 20,000 residents, while the eastern region, encircled by permanent glaciers, remains virtually unpopulated.

When the harsh Icelandic climate permits, one can marvel at an untarnished sky, devoid of light pollution – a truly breathtaking experience.

Credit: NASA, Suomi NPP