Space Pics of the Week: Full Color Views of Earth

Thursday, April 22 marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Now is the perfect time to take a look at our beautiful planet through the eyes of NASA's Terra satellite, launched in December 1999 to monitor the environment and the effects of climate change. These images are taken with the ASTER instrument, which stands for Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer. It collects data in a variety of wavelengths to analyze fine differences in mineralogy, water temperature, and thermal activity on the planet's surface. For example, by observing the ground with infrared instruments, scientists can spot changes in surface heat, such as melting permafrost or heat emissions into the atmosphere. The result is high-resolution images of the Earth's surface, clouds, ice, and water in almost alien rainbow colors.

This image shows how the Mississippi River has changed course over the past 70 years; the main green belt is now the river and the surrounding area in red is its main channel. Photograph: NASA/METI/AIST In November 2019, the Kincade Fire spread through much of Sonoma County, California. This image shows areas that have already burned in gray. Actively burning regions appear as yellow dots. Photography: NASA/JPL-Caltech