NASA's October Satellite Puzzler: Find This Spot

Each month, NASA Earth Observatory posts a satellite image with a simple question: where on Earth is this? The October 2026 puzzler is now live, and anyone with a good eye and a little geography can join in.

The challenge is straightforward. You look at the image, note the clues – the shape of the coastline, the color of the water, the pattern of fields or cities – and submit your guess. NASA asks that you include your preferred name or alias. You can keep it simple or go deep: which satellite and instrument captured the scene, which spectral bands were used, or the geology or history of the place.

There's no prize money or a trip to orbit. What you get is something almost as satisfying: puzzler bragging rights. About a week after the challenge closes, the answer goes up at the top of the page, along with an Earth Observatory Image of the Day story that explains the image in detail. The first person to correctly identify the location gets recognized. Thoughtful or interesting answers may be highlighted too.

I've watched thousands of kids gasp at Earth from space – the satellite view never gets old. It's one thing to know we live on a planet; it's another to see it from a hundred miles up and realize you can still find your home. If this place means something to you, or if a detail catches your eye, NASA wants to hear about it.

To submit, use the form on the Earth Observatory page and select "Puzzler Answer" as the topic. Responses may be edited and published. Zoom in, look closely, and enjoy the challenge.

• citizen science
• Earth Observatory
• NASA
• October 2026
• puzzler
• satellite imagery