  Using open source data, we observe the fascinating dynamics of nighttime
light. Following a global economic regime shift, the planetary center of light
can be seen moving eastwards at a pace of about 60 km per year. Introducing
spatial light Gini coefficients, we find a universal pattern of human
settlements across different countries and see a global centralization of
light. Observing 160 different countries we document the expansion of
developing countries, the growth of new agglomerations, the regression in
countries suffering from demographic decline and the success of light pollution
abatement programs in western countries.
