NASA satellite captures image of Australian wildfires

Satellite imagery of wildfires is something we are certainly used to seeing here in Colorado, particularly the last couple of years.  Summertime in Australia brings wildfire danger as well and a NASA satellite captured smoke billowing from a blaze down under.

Much of Australia has been gripped by record-setting heat in recent weeks thus leading to the increased fire danger.  The image from NASA’s Aqua satellite shows one of the blazes burning.

From NASA:

“In January 2014, an intense heat wave and strong winds fueled an outbreak of hundreds of bushfires in South Australia. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite acquired this image of grass and shrub fires raging in Yumbarra Conservation Park on January 16, 2014. Red outlines indicate hot spots where MODIS detected unusually warm surface temperatures associated with fire. Northerly winds blew large plumes of smoke out over the Great Australian Bight. Members of the aboriginal community of Koonibba were preparing to evacuate as a large fire headed in the direction of the town, according to the Australian Broadcasting Company.”

NASA satellite image of wildfires and their smoke in Australia. (NASA)
NASA satellite image of wildfires and their smoke in Australia. (NASA)

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