Pictures That Show What Satellites Are Seeing From Above
Do you ever look up at the night sky and see a glimmer of light, wondering if it's a star or satellite? Don't worry; satellites have got your back! Since 1945, these amazing gadgets have been taking pictures of towns, landscapes, wildlife - you name it!
Every day they capture something new and store them in an out-of-this-world database. So prepare to be amazed because we're about to lift the curtain on some extraordinary photos courtesy of our trusty friends: satellites. Keep reading to explore the beauty of this bird's eye view!
NYC At Night
At night, satellite images from space offer breathtaking views of New York City. The city's nickname, "the city that never sleeps," is apparent, with millions of lights illuminating its five boroughs - home to over eight million people.
Magical silhouettes created by the darkness of the Hudson River encircle Manhattan's glittering skyline.
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Thermal Imaging Of A Fire
From July 23 to August 30, 2018, the Carr Fire raged through Redding, California and ultimately scorched 229,651 acres of land and devastated 1,604 structures.
It all started due to a tire failure from a vehicle and ended up costing an astounding $1.659 billion in damages.
After The Woolsey Fire In Malibu, California
Beginning on November 8, 2018, the Woolsey Fire ravaged 96,949 acres of Los Angeles and Ventura County in California.
This infrared satellite image shows the aftermath of Malibu, a seaside town situated along either side of the renowned Pacific Coast Highway.
Craters From Nuclear Testing
At a first glance, this satellite image appears to be of a standard coral reef. However, closer observation reveals two large holes in the darker water.
These are craters that were caused by an Enewetak Atoll nuclear test conducted during the Cold War period. This detonation proved costly for the United States due to the clean-up and decontamination efforts it required afterwards.
Green Patch In Concrete Jungle
Known colloquially as the "concrete jungle," New York City is largely composed of roads and sidewalks, barring the addition of Central Park on Manhattan's Upper East Side.
Spanning 843 acres, the green space is far larger than any other park in the city.
The Large Junction Of The Place Charles De Gaulle
This Place Charles de Gaulle junction, located in Paris, France, may appear similar to a side of the Death Star from Star Wars; however, it is actually an intersection of 12 straight avenues spanning throughout the entire city.
Among these roads stands out the renowned Champs-Élysées - known for its theaters and cafés as well as for being the endpoint of the Tour de France race.
North Nilandhe Atoll, Maldives
Faafu Atoll, also known as North Nilandha Atoll in the Maldives, is not the typical honeymoon destination. This is an administrative island that governs the rest of the gorgeous island chain.
People might see the island from the water if they rent a boat for the day. Otherwise, visitors have no need to step foot on the land.
The Coal Seam Fire In Glenwood Springs, Colorado
On June 8, 2002, the Coal Seam Fire raged through Glenwood Springs, Colorado, burning 29 homes and more than 12,000 acres of land. Residents of the area were evacuated for multiple days by local firefighters as they tried to get the fire under control.
It took weeks to put out the blaze.
A Neighborhood In Barcelona, Spain
While this image looks like a grid of red squares, it is actually a satellite image of a neighborhood in Barcelona, Spain. Famous for its stunning architecture, Barcelona is home to the magical Sagrada Família church, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.
Sadly, Gaudí passed away before he saw his creation completed.
A Marina Being Constructed
While on the ground, it can be overwhelming to construct massive buildings for people who are not familiar with the inner workings of blueprints. Thankfully, satellite imagery makes it a bit easier for non-architects and designers to comprehend!
Here, a marina is being constructed, with numerous docks for boats to come in and out.
The 2018 Burning Man Festival
Originating in 1983, the Burning Man festival attracts free spirits from all around. A festival of art and self-expression, the participants of the event design and build all of the activities throughout the weekend, the art displayed, and each event.
Each year, the festival is located in Black Rock Desert, Nevada.
Californian Wildfire
All of the red in this satellite image is the fires from the Camp Fire in Paradise, California. The most destructive wildfire in the history of the state, the Camp Fire, started on Thursday, November 8, 2018, and burned through 153,336 acres.
The costliest natural disaster of 2018, the Camp Fire costs wracked up to $16.65 billion.
Bangkok Factory Explosion
On July 5, 2021, a fire began at a plastic pellet manufacturing factory located on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand. Beginning at three in the morning, the explosion was so fierce that windows exploded in nearby homes.
The satellite image above shows the black smoke billowing from the factory building.
Anak Krakatau Volcano In Indonesia
Anak Krakatau is a volcanic island located in the Sunda Strait in Indonesia, sitting between the islands of Java and Sumatra. An active volcano, Anak Krakatau, has erupted sporadically throughout the years, with its first recorded eruption happening in 1927.
The volcano has even been the subject of a tsunami due to a 2018 eruption causing mile-high waves.
Ocean Flower Island In China
Ocean Flower Island, located off the north coast of Danzhou, Hainan, China, is an artificial archipelago that cost a whopping $24 billion. Unfortunately, the construction of the island resulted in the destruction of coral reefs and oyster bays in the area.
Still, the questionable nature of the man-made island didn't stop 200,000 visitors from venturing to the island on National Day in 2021.
South China Sea, Fiery Cross Reef
This is an image of the Fiery Cross Reef, located in the South China Sea. The reef is not open to the public, though, as it is militarized by China.
Getting its name from the British tea ship Fiery Cross, a clipper ship that was wrecked on the reef back on March 4, 1860.
South Chinas Whitsun Reef
The largest reef in the Union Banks, the Whitsun Reef in the South China Sea stretches in a funky V shape of 3.9 square miles.
Before the 1990s, the reef was submerged under the water, and only visible at low tide. By the end of the 20th century, small sand dunes developed on the island, making it visible during all hours of the day.
Chemtool Inc Industrial Fire In Chicago, Illinois
Installing a part in the scissor lift at the Chemtool Inc factory in Chicago, Illinois, resulted in a massively destructive fire on June 14, 2021.
In a statement, Rockton Fire Chief Kirk Wilson said, "an unknown amount of mineral oil immediately began falling and pooling on the floor in the area of origin...they were in the process of placing containment booms, as well as de-pressuring the heat transfer piping network when the fire ignited."
Saudi Arabian Crop Circles
It might sound strange, crop circles in the middle of a desert, but that is exactly what is showcased in this satellite image. Located in the Wadi As-Sirhan Basin in Northern Saudi Arabia, the green circles are, in fact, crop circles!
Some of the crops grown in the otherwise barren desert include fruits, vegetables, and wheat.
The Destructive Hurricane Dorian
The Bahamas are not strangers to massive hurricanes rolling through. On September 1, 2019, a satellite image captured the arrival of Hurricane Dorian to the island chain.
While in there, winds reached a whopping 175 miles per hour. Dorian was a category five hurricane and is on record as the most intense tropical cyclone to hit.
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