Atmosphere

Fires Erupt in North American Forests
Image

Fires Erupt in North American Forests

Record heat and dry conditions helped stoke several large blazes in Manitoba, Ontario, and Minnesota.

Published May 14, 2025

Image of the Day Atmosphere Land Fires

Vortex Variety Hour
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Vortex Variety Hour

The Kuril Islands produced swirls of different sizes in passing clouds.

Published May 14, 2025

Image of the Day Atmosphere

Lights of Southeast Asia
Image

Lights of Southeast Asia

On a night with little to no moonlight, other sources of nighttime lights were on vivid display in parts of Burma, Thailand, and Laos.

Published May 11, 2025

Image of the Day Atmosphere Human Presence

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 — Apr 2025

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 — Apr 2025

Atmosphere