Suomi NPP VIIRS Image: Night time view of the Aurora Borealis over Canada

The so-called day-night band of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite, or VIIRS, can distinguish the night-time glow of Earth's atmosphere as well as a light from a single ship at sea. 

The resolution is far sharper than what has been available previously. 

VIIRS is aboard the Suomi NPP satellite, which orbits about 500 miles (800 km) above Earth's poles.Some VIIRS image have surprised scientists. 

The sensor, for example, captured light from the upper atmosphere illuminating clouds and ice in visible wavelengths - by night.

Night time view of the Aurora Borealis over Canada

Picture: NASA/Earth Observatory