NASA Publishes Extraordinary Satellite View of California Wildflowers in Bloom

NASA Photo of California Superbloom from the NASA Earth Observatory

Photo: NASA Earth Observatory/Lauren Dauphin, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey

Each spring, California's Antelope Valley explodes with color as vast quantities of flowers bloom. While there are several types of wildflowers in the mix, it's the state flower—the California poppy—that is the star of the show. Typically visitors flock to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve to take in the breathtaking scene, but this year is proving a bit different.

With the reserve temporarily closed due to COVID-19 measures, in-person poppy watching isn't possible. But thanks to NASA, we're able to have a whole different perspective on the event. As the poppy fields are located close to NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center, it's only fitting that a land imager aboard the Landsat 8 satellite captured the superbloom at its peak.

Amid solar farms and green pastures, the bright orange poppies make their mark. With more rain than usual, the flowers are expected to last longer than normal, making the 2020 superbloom particularly special. In fact, park officials were surprised by the vibrance of the blooms given that rainfall lasted well into April. NASA also noted that these blooms will change appearance, as poppies open their petals when it's sunny and will close up when faced with cold or windy conditions.

If you are interested in a first-hand view of the poppies, you can tune in to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve live cam, which streams a view of the blooms. Or you can follow along with State Park Interpreter Jean Rhyne as she shows off the park and this year's superbloom in a virtual tour.

NASA published satellite imagery of California's annual superbloom in the Antelope Valley.

NASA Photo of California Superbloom from the NASA Earth Observatory

Photo: NASA Earth Observatory/Lauren Dauphin, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey

NASA Photo of California Superbloom from the NASA Earth Observatory

Photo: NASA Earth Observatory/Lauren Dauphin, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey

The vibrant orange California poppies carpet over 1,700 acres in this reserve near the Mojave Desert.

Poppy Superbloom in California

Photo: Stock Photos from Anton Foltin/Shutterstock

There are many types of wildflowers that bloom in this period, but the color of the California poppies make them easy to spot—even from space.

Wildflowers in Antelope Valley

Photo: Stock Photos from Wollertz/Shutterstock

Wildflowers at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

Photo: Stock Photos from Angel DiBilio/Shutterstock

Even though the reserve is currently closed, you can enjoy a virtual tour and check out the wildflowers in bloom.

California State Parks: Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
h/t: [IFL Science!]

Related Articles:

Driest Place in North America Super Blooms with Yellow Wildflowers

People Are Enjoying Japan’s Cherry Blossoms Indoors With “Virtual Hanami”

Idyllic “Spring Stripe” of Cherry Blossoms and Nemophila Flowers Blooms in Japan

One Photographer Captures Holland’s Beautiful Tulip Gardens Without Any People Around

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.

Sponsored Content