EarthNow! streams near-real time imagery of Landsat 9 and Landsat 8 data acquired by USGS as the satellites orbit the Earth. When live streams are unavailable, the tool replays recently acquired Landsat imagery. EarthNow! features Landsat data from the USGS Archive as well as International Grounds Stations in partnering countries around the world.

To learn more about Landsat, the sensors on-board each satellite, and how to use the data, please visit the USGS Landsat Missions website.

EarthNow! is based on FarEarth Global Observer technology (a platform developed by Pinkmatter Solutions) to help people visualize the acquisition of Landsat satellite data.

EarthNow! streams near-real time satellite imagery of from Landsat 9 and Landsat 8 data acquired by the USGS as the satellites orbit the Earth. When live streams are unavailable, the tool replays recently acquired satellite Landsat imagery. EarthNow! features Landsat data from the USGS Archive as well as International Grounds Stations in partnering countries around the world.

To learn more about Landsat, the sensors on-board each satellite, and how to use the data, please visit the USGS Landsat Missions website.

Main Display

Landsat imagery is displayed on the left-hand side of the screen as each satellite acquires data of a swath of land below. Each swath is between 185 and 190 kilometers (115-118 miles) wide.

The sensors on Landsat 9 and Landsat 8 scan across the entire width of the satellite scene, gathering data in strips similar to the motion of a push-broom. Detectors on the sensors capture imagery during each pass. Complex algorithms are then used to stitch the data together, transforming it into the detailed images that are displayed in the viewer window.

Sidebar Controls

The sidebar on the right contains information about the imagery you are seeing in the main display. It provides a satellite location reference map, the date and time the imagery was collected, the World Reference System (WRS) Path and Row indicators, and other geographical information.

Landsat Tab

This tab tells you which Landsat satellite acquired the data you are seeing. It also indicates whether it is a near-real time live-stream or recently acquired and recorded pass of the area.

Recordings Tab

The recordings tab displays a list of recorded passes. Clicking on the green "play" triangle interrupts the current pass on the main display and shares the recorded pass you selected. When the recorded pass ends, the most recent stream will display again.

Band Combination

• True Color (default): Allows you to see the Earth as the human eye perceives it.
• Vegetation analysis: Highlights grasses, trees and agriculture. Healthy vegetation will typically appear bright green.
• Color Infrared: Highlights vegetation density and health in shades of red.
• Healthy Vegetation: Displays vegetation and can help indicate moisture content of soils.

By combining different bands, scientists can reveal various features of the Earth's surface for diverse applications, such as monitoring vegetation health, urban planning and detecting thermal anomalies. To learn more about the specific wavelengths acquired by the Landsat satellites, visit What are the band designations for the Landsat satellites?

The red flame icon shows any active fires or 'hot spots' on the Earth within the streaming imagery. You can click the icon to turn off the fire data.

The blue circle icon means the names of cities and features on the Earth will display as the satellite passes over. You can click the icon to turn off this information.

Selecting the yellow pause button will temporarily hold the feed at its current location.

Selecting the red stop button will close the current feed and restart the streaming of the most recent Landsat acquisitions.

• Satellite Location Reference Map - This map displays the direction the satellite is taking on a larger scale. An orange box outlines the ground track of the satellite.
• Date - The date the satellite imagery was acquired appears in DD MMM YYYYformat
• Time - The time the satellite imagery was acquired appears in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) using military time in hours, minutes, and seconds.
• Path/Row - The Landsat 9 and Landsat 8 satellites follow the World Reference System 2 (WRS-2) grid. The Path and Row are listed to the right of the Date and Time.
• Country - When the satellite passes over a land mass, the country's name and flag appears below the date and time.
• Coordinates - Next to the country's flag, the coordinates (latitude/longitude) of the location being shown are displayed in decimal degrees.
• Cities & Features - Prominent cities and physical features such as mountain ranges, peaks and water bodies from the current view are shown below the country and coordinates. Population information is displayed next to the city. Altitude information is displayed when a range or mountain is within view. Bodies of water are labeled in a blue italicized font. Water bodies represented are typically larger inland lakes.

Additional Information

Questions about EarthNow! can be directed to:

USGS User Services
47914 252nd Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57198-0001
Phone: (605) 594-6967 or 1-800-252-4547
Email: custserv@usgs.gov

Browser Specifications

The highest available browser version is always recommended to efficiently use EarthNow!. While the tool may work in other browsers, not all combinations of operating systems and plug-ins or add-ons have been tested.

The current versions of the browsers listed below have been tested and are deemed sufficient:

For Desktop

• Mozilla Firefox
• Microsoft Edge
• Chrome

While the tool works in various browsers, not all combinations of operating systems and plug-ins or add-ons have been tested.

For Mobile

• Microsoft Edge Mobile
• Chrome for Android