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Eerie satellite images show the ghost world created by coronavirus

COVID-19 has sent the world home, turning innumerable public places into ghost sites.

Eric Mack Contributing Editor
Eric Mack has been a CNET contributor since 2011. Eric and his family live 100% energy and water independent on his off-grid compound in the New Mexico desert. Eric uses his passion for writing about energy, renewables, science and climate to bring educational content to life on topics around the solar panel and deregulated energy industries. Eric helps consumers by demystifying solar, battery, renewable energy, energy choice concepts, and also reviews solar installers. Previously, Eric covered space, science, climate change and all things futuristic. His encrypted email for tips is ericcmack@protonmail.com.
Expertise Solar, solar storage, space, science, climate change, deregulated energy, DIY solar panels, DIY off-grid life projects. CNET's "Living off the Grid" series. https://www.cnet.com/feature/home/energy-and-utilities/living-off-the-grid/ Credentials
  • Finalist for the Nesta Tipping Point prize and a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
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Eric Mack

COVID-19 and the novel coronavirus that causes it have canceled countless events and gatherings as cities, states and entire nations go into shutdown mode. 

With millions at home or practicing social distancing, the basic concept of a crowd has become a rare thing. 

Coronavirus updates

Geospatial World put together the above video using satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies that shows humanity's retreat. Popular tourist spaces have cleared out, lines of planes waiting for take-off are no longer a thing, and ski area parking lots have emptied while lots for unneeded rental cars are full. 

Images from ground level are even more striking, as many offices, restaurants and other hotspots have cleared out. We've put together a gallery chronicling the emptiness for you to peruse, hopefully from the uncontaminated comfort of your home.

See the emptiness as coronavirus closes landmarks, stadiums, amusement parks

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Watch this: Coronavirus lockdown: Why social distancing saves lives