ISS - Cities at Night

'Cities at Night' is a film by Seán Doran made with images courtesy NASA / ESRS / eol.jsc.nasa.gov and 'The Inner Sound' by Jesse Gallagher Credit: ISS / NASA / ESRS / Seán Doran The video footage contained in this film is independently produced, it is not created by NASA or sourced from any NASA server. Imagery from a time-lapse sequence photographed by astronauts on ISS are repaired, remastered and retimed to create this real time video footage. A method called frame interpolation is used to calculate the extra video frames required to re-create the smooth motion of ISS orbiting Earth. Each sequence presents its own unique set of challenges when restoring and remastering the images necessary to create a simulation of an Ultra High Definition video recording. Restoration requires manual repair of image artifacts such as hot pixels present on the camera's imaging sensor, dust on the camera's lens, dirt and micro-meteor damage to the ISS cupola windows. Visuals are enhanced by applying a denoising algorithm, correcting exposure offsets across the time-lapse and adjusting contrast, brightness and color grade. Visual artifacts that detract from the desired outcome are repaired. Intermediate sequences are produced to consolidate the restoration & remastering processes and to assist with the frame interpolation method used to produce the final video. This work strives to present images of Earth and space returned from ISS in the best possible light. All of the films produced in this manner are designed to be experienced on a large format display and a good sound system. The International Space Station ( ISS ) is a space laboratory in low Earth orbit. It is a collaborative project between NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA & CSA. The Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit ( ESRS ) focuses on the study of Earth and its systems using sensors mounted on satellites, aircraft, or other platforms that can collect data from a distance. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration ( NASA ) is a U.S. government agency responsible for civilian space programs, aeronautics research, and planetary science. NASA's mission is to drive advances in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration to enhance knowledge, education, innovation, economic vitality, and stewardship of Earth. This film is protected by copyright. Illegal distribution is prohibited.