A study conducted by international researchers using satellites to observe Earth's light pollution has increased by 16 percent in less than ten years, according to the journal Nature. The study used daily satellite photos of Earth and used NASA algorithms to filter out factors like moonlight and the aurora. During this time period, light pollution increased by approximately 16 percent. This has implications for astrophotographers including sleep patterns, astronomy, and the possibility of further increases in light pollution. However, the study also noted that recent policies to reduce light pollution are affecting this area. The researchers noted that a significant area of dimming in Europe indicates that policies are working.