For 20 years, astronauts have been shooting photos of Earth from the space station. Like everything the astronauts do, they are trained for this job. And like everything they do, there is purpose and intention behind it.
In early 2021, authorities warned about potentially toxic blooms at a popular recreational lake in New South Wales.
A compilation of dozens of long-exposure photographs taken from space turns stars into stunning rings and city lights and fires into colorful streaks.
Published Mar 6, 2021
Despite a cold snap in February, low ice cover prevailed across the lakes in winter 2020-2021.
Published Mar 4, 2021Image of the Day Heat Water Severe Storms Snow and Ice Remote Sensing
Two astronauts. Two clear days. Two gorgeous views around the roof of the world.
Published Mar 4, 2021
A large iceberg finally split from the Antarctic ice shelf, but another piece stubbornly hangs on.
Published Mar 2, 2021Image of the Day Heat Water Unique Imagery Snow and Ice Remote Sensing
The modern oasis of Jubbah sits within the wind shadow of historic mountains and the basin of an ancient lakebed.
Published Mar 2, 2021
The contrast of the bright lights against the dark landscape makes this a favorite astronaut photo.
Published Feb 28, 2021
Astronauts have snapped numerous photos of the light show from their unique perch on the International Space Station.
Published Feb 27, 2021
In the past 35 years, one third of large rivers in the United States have changed their dominant color, often due to sediments or algae.
Published Feb 26, 2021
Snow and ice influence climate by reflecting sunlight back into space. When it melts, snow is a source of water for drinking and vegetation; too much snowmelt can lead to floods. These maps show average snow cover by month.
Intense lava fountains and lava flows illuminated a volcanic plume spreading across Sicily during an unusually pitched night of activity at the Italian volcano.
Published Feb 25, 2021Image of the Day Atmosphere Land Volcanoes Human Presence Remote Sensing
Satellite images of Earth at night have been a curiosity for the public and a tool of fundamental research for at least 25 years. They have provided a broad, beautiful picture, showing how humans have shaped the planet and lit up the darkness.
Published Apr 12, 2017
A range of unusual plants and wildlife lives in the Harenna Forest, but they face pressure from development.
Published Feb 24, 2021
When fuels such as coal, wood, and oil burn incompletely, they produce carbon monoxide. The gas is spread by winds and circulation. These maps show monthly averages of CO in the lower atmosphere.
The torrent of debris from a mountain in the Himalaya devastated remote valleys in Uttarakhand.
Published Feb 23, 2021Image of the Day Land Human Presence Snow and Ice Remote Sensing Landslides
These maps depict how much hotter or cooler an ocean basin was compared to the long-term average. Temperature anomalies can indicate changes in ocean circulation or the arrival of patterns like El Niño and La Niña.
What do you do when presented with a new satellite image? Here's what the Earth Observatory team does to understand the view.
Published Nov 18, 2013
Researchers are puzzling over a distinctive striping pattern in the Central Siberian Plateau.
Published Feb 23, 2021
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a different part of the world? What would the weather be like? What kinds of animals would you see? Which plants live there? By investigating these questions, you are learning about biomes.
Published Aug 28, 2020
By studying Lake Salda, researchers gained a better understanding of the potential microbial and geological processes at Jezero Crater.
Published Feb 17, 2021 in Earth Matters
Sea salt, volcanic ash, dust, wildfire smoke, and industrial pollution are types of airborne aerosols. Natural aerosols tend to be larger than human-made aerosols. These maps show when and where aerosols come from nature, humans, or both.
Every month we offer a puzzling satellite image. Your challenge is to tell us what we are looking at, where it is, and why it is interesting.
Published Feb 16, 2021 in Earth Matters
Greenness is an important indicator of health for forests, grasslands, and farms. The greenness of a landscape, or vegetation index, depends on the number and type of plants, how leafy they are, and how healthy they are.
Every year, a group of scientists affiliated with the Global Carbon Project give Earth something like an annual checkup.
Published Feb 11, 2021 in Earth Matters
Learn all about how satellites track storms – from formation, landfall, and the aftermath
Published Feb 11, 2021 in EO Kids
More than 1,000 astronaut photos have been published on EO. Help us choose the best in our archives.
Published Feb 6, 2021 in Earth Matters
From their perch on the space station, astronauts have spent 20 years sharing a story about Earth as they see it from above. Like the directors of a film, those astronaut storytellers have a crew working behind the scenes to help them tell the story. Meet the Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit.
Published Dec 1, 2020
From their home on the International Space Station, astronauts have a view unlike anything most of us will ever see. Over 20 years, they have shot millions of photographs of Earth, and it is not just a hobby. It is an important scientific job, and one they need to be trained to do. Learn more about the challenges of watching Earth from above.
Published Nov 2, 2020
A race is on to figure out whether COVID-19 will wax and wane with the seasons. Atmospheric and hydrologic models produced by NASA and other institutions may be key to that research.
Published Jul 14, 2020
12 months of high-resolution global true color satellite imagery.
Published Oct 13, 2005
A few decades ago, the idea of predicting a disease outbreak via satellite was science fiction. But today, researchers can use environmental data to predict when and where some diseases are likely to spread.
Published Jul 9, 2020
NASA satellites and sensors constantly take the pulse of our planet. Researchers apply those observations on local and regional scales to better manage things like food and water supplies, health, safety, land use, and ecosystems.
Published May 1, 2020
These maps depict monthly total rainfall around the world. Rainfall is the primary source of fresh water for humans, plants, and animals. Rain also moves heat between the atmosphere, oceans, and land.
