Political And Economic Changes Can Be Observed From Space
- 10 years ago
According to a study from researchers at Monash University in Australia and the University of St Gallen in Switzerland, the location of some country’s political leaders birthplace can be predicted from space. Using data from 1992 to 2009 collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s weather satellites, the researchers determined that the brightness of some cities correlates with political and economic favoritism.
A study from researchers at Monash University in Australia and the University of St Gallen in Switzerland, has uncovered a fascinating link between the light intensity produced in the hometowns of certain nation’s political leaders.
Using data from 1992 to 2009 collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Air Force’s weather satellites, the researchers determined that the brightness of some cities correlates with political and economic favoritism.
The results of the study show that when a leader takes power, their hometown increases light intensity at night by around 4 percent and regional gross domestic product by about 1 percent.
The most significant connections were found in countries with weak political systems, or a lower education rate, while educated and developed countries showed almost no correlation.
Doctor Paul Raschky from the Monash University’s Centre for Development Economics and Sustainability is quoted as saying: “Sound political institutions and education are socially desirable and help keep political leaders accountable. We demonstrate their importance in constraining regional favouritism. The enforcement of term limits also seems to be a crucial aspect.”
Two outstanding examples include North Korea, which from space appears dark except for the capital of Pyongyang, and the town of Gbadolite, the hometown of the former dictator of Zaire, now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Gbadolite reportedly increased and decreased its visibility from space with the rise and fall of the dictator.
A study from researchers at Monash University in Australia and the University of St Gallen in Switzerland, has uncovered a fascinating link between the light intensity produced in the hometowns of certain nation’s political leaders.
Using data from 1992 to 2009 collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Air Force’s weather satellites, the researchers determined that the brightness of some cities correlates with political and economic favoritism.
The results of the study show that when a leader takes power, their hometown increases light intensity at night by around 4 percent and regional gross domestic product by about 1 percent.
The most significant connections were found in countries with weak political systems, or a lower education rate, while educated and developed countries showed almost no correlation.
Doctor Paul Raschky from the Monash University’s Centre for Development Economics and Sustainability is quoted as saying: “Sound political institutions and education are socially desirable and help keep political leaders accountable. We demonstrate their importance in constraining regional favouritism. The enforcement of term limits also seems to be a crucial aspect.”
Two outstanding examples include North Korea, which from space appears dark except for the capital of Pyongyang, and the town of Gbadolite, the hometown of the former dictator of Zaire, now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Gbadolite reportedly increased and decreased its visibility from space with the rise and fall of the dictator.