News dated
On 26 October, NASA Earth Observatory published a comparison of autumn colours seen from space. Maps from the Ocean Color Instrument aboard PACE cover two periods: 29 September–4 October and 5–11 October 2026. The new event is the publication of the story; the observations were made earlier. [1]
Comparing red and green light reflected by vegetation helps track changing colours. NASA describes redder areas initially in northern regions, followed by a southward shift. A separate Landsat 9 image in the same story shows red and orange ridges and greener valleys near Ripton, Vermont, on 3 October. [1]
These images need careful interpretation. Clouds leave gaps in the observations, and a redder surface does not necessarily mean a forest full of autumn leaves. Crop ageing or harvesting can also change the signal. The maps provide a way to observe the season across large areas, while observations on the ground remain important. [1]
The bright side
Public images reveal a seasonal change over long distances while also explaining the limits of interpreting colours. [1]
One idea, in simple words
On 26 October, NASA explained how satellites observe autumn colours. PACE measures light returning from Earth’s surface. Comparing red and green helps reveal changes in vegetation. The published maps compare 29 September–4 October with 5–11 October. Another image, captured by Landsat 9 on 3 October, shows mountains and valleys in Vermont with different colours. The date of a picture and the date of the story about it can therefore be different. [1]
Colour is a clue that needs interpretation. A red area may come from tree leaves, but farm fields can also change the signal. Clouds can hide the ground. Imagine looking at a garden through a misty window: some parts are easier to see than others. Scientists therefore need to consider the images’ limits and compare them with observations on the ground. [1]
A little discovery to keep
What did you discover?
Straight from the source.
- Hunting Red Leaves with Satellites NASA Earth Observatory · 26 Oct 2026
Original reporting summaries prepared with AI assistance and accessible sources. Our editorial method.
