Scientists of the Balloon Array for Radiation-belt Relativistic Electron Losses (BARREL) team sent their last balloon into the stratosphere over Sweden on Aug. 30, 2016, capping off four years of launches to study how electrons precipitate into Earth's atmosphere.
Salt and Ice in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan’s Alakol Lake typically freezes for about two months at the end of winter and breaks up in early spring, beautifully captured in this European Space Agency Sentinel-2 image. The salt lake’s mineral-rich water and mud is considered therapeutic, and...
Fire-Detection Satellite BIROS Releases BEESAT-4 Picosatellite
On Sept. 9, 2016, the Bi-Spectral Infrared Optical System (BIROS) fire-detection satellite, developed and built by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), released the Berlin Educational and Experimental Picosatellite (BEESAT-4) into space 515 kilometers above the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago.
Madeira Island Adds to Portugal's Fire Count
While hundreds of wildfires raged over mainland Portugal, the normally peaceful and idyllic resort island of Madeira was also hit by deadly fires, killing three people and destroying more than 150 homes.
Satellites Record Auroras’ Rhythm
Using data from NASA's Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) satellites, scientists have observed Earth's vibrating magnetic field in relation to the northern lights in the night sky over Canada.
˜Glacier Milk' Spills in Argentina
Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981 and is the largest park in the country, covering more than 7,000 square kilometers. One of its most recognizable features is the Upsala Glacier, which is pictured in this European Space Agency (ESA) Sentinel-2A image from January 2016.
Hurricane Pair Nears Hawaii, Both Miss
The island of Hawaii continued its decades' long streak of not being directly when Hurricanes Madeline and Lester, which at one point were considered threats for landfall, veered south and north, respectively.
University of Nairobi Team Selected for KiboCUBE Project
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) selected a team from the University of Nairobi to be the first to benefit from the UNOOSA-JAXA KiboCUBE program.
Bosphorus Bridge Construction Chronicled
An image from the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2A satellite shows Turkey's Third Bosphorus Bridge as it was being constructed on Feb. 8, 2016. The hybrid cable-stayed suspension bridge, which opened on Aug. 26, 2016, forms part of the ongoing 150 kilometer-long Northern Marmara Highway project.
Firecast Brings Satellite Data to Fire Managers in Remote Areas
Firecast monitors and delivers alerts for active fires, fire risk, and deforestation in the tropics. The project's web site and mobile application bring NASA satellite data to fire managers in areas that have traditionally relied on ground-based monitoring.