Atmosphere

Lighting the Night in Southern Africa
Image

Lighting the Night in Southern Africa

An astronaut’s sweeping nighttime photograph of Namibia and South Africa reveals the region’s lighted communities, many of which are centered around mining.

Published Dec 8, 2024

Image of the Day Atmosphere Human Presence

An Unusual Year for Fire in Bolivia
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An Unusual Year for Fire in Bolivia

Fire activity in the South American nation was remarkably intense and widespread in 2024.

Published Dec 7, 2024

Image of the Day Atmosphere Land

Heavy Snows in Korea
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Heavy Snows in Korea

Late-November snowfall blanketed large portions of the country and deposited record-breaking accumulations in Seoul.

Published Dec 2, 2024

Image of the Day Atmosphere Land Severe Storms Snow and Ice Temperature Extremes

Cloud Fraction
Global Maps

Cloud Fraction

In addition to making rain and snow, clouds can have a warming or cooling influence depending on their altitude, type, and when they form. These maps show what fraction of an area was cloudy each month.

Feb 2000 — Nov 2024

Atmosphere

Aerosol Optical Depth
Global Maps

Aerosol Optical Depth

Airborne aerosols can cause or prevent cloud formation and harm human health. These maps depict aerosol concentrations in the air based on how the tiny particles reflect or absorb visible and infrared light.

Mar 2000 — Nov 2024

Atmosphere