Satellite images capture changes on planet Earth

Global art: A view of Ha Noi and Ha Long Bay in Viet Nam from space. — German Aerospace Centre Photo

HA NOI — A sleepless planet with the twinkling lights of populated areas can be seen in an image captured by satellite.

It is one among impressive images of typical landscapes and human settlements of Southeast Asia and Europe, captured by German Aerospace Centre (DLR) satellite, on display in Ha Noi until May 20.

As contribution to the ASEAN-EU Year of Science, Technology and Innovation 2012, the picture exhibition Eye of the Sky illustrates natural changes on Earth via satellite.

Ten panels depict the earth by night, and Europe and Southeast Asia by day. Lights at night and the shapes of continents provide a first glance look at the prosperity and challenges of life on both continents.

"The large-sized images of both continents help visualise the challenges we face as a result of the changes occurring in the natural environment," said Annette Schavan, federal minister of Education and Research, the exhibition's co-organiser.

"Science addresses these challenges by developing sustainable land use systems, efficient water technologies, risk and disaster management concepts, exploring renewable energy sources and planning the city of tomorrow, to mention some contributions to a better future," she said.

"By selecting topical areas that are of particular interest to Southeast Asia and Europe and of global relevance, the first bi-regional Year of Science highlights the impact and existence of co-operation between ASEAN and the EU," she said.

Eye of the Sky is conceived for the wider public to enjoy the beauty of nature and getting informed about the advancement of scientific collaboration between Southeast Asia and Europe.

Visitors will see an Ocean of Plastic in Spain, the world's largest greenhouse for vegetable and fruit production, land clearance for acacia plantations in Malaysia, degraded forestland in Laos, primary forest in Indonesia and the view of Ha Noi and Ha Long Bay between rivers. The images reflect the development of the areas and ecological problems these areas are facing.

The exhibition will run until May 20 at two venues in Ha Noi including the National Agency for Science and Technology Information (NASATI), 24 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, and the Vietnamese-German Centre at the Ha Noi University of Science and Technology, 1 Dai Co Viet Street.

The exhibit is also set to visit Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia and Thailand. — VNS