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NASA Releases Satellite Images Of Massive California Superbloom Seen From Space
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NASA Releases Satellite Images Of Massive California Superbloom Seen From Space

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Despite the still-ongoing COVID-19 stay-at-home order restricting people from traveling, the power of the internet saves the day by bringing us the most spectacular views every day. This time, NASA decided to bless our eyes by sharing incredible satellite images of a massive orange poppy superbloom in Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. Turns out, the superbloom was so intense in mid-April that it was easily seen from space.

More info: Poppy Reserve

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    After late-season heavy rainfall blessed Antelope Valley in California, it got swarmed by blooming poppies

    Image credits: NASA

    While people in many countries all over the world are still under the COVID-19 stay-at-home order, NASA has given us some spectacular images to feast our eyes on without even having to leave home! The space agency’s Landsat 8 satellite captured these mesmerizing views of Antelope Valley in California on April 14th.

    The superbloom was so massive, it could be seen from space

    Image credits: NASA

    NASA’s Landsat 8 satellite captured the spectacular view on April 14th, 2020

    Image credits: NASA

    Images show the massive orange poppy superbloom in the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve as seen from space. “The flowers bloomed after Southern California received significant rainfall in March and April 2020,” wrote NASA.

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    Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve officers said flowers were then at the peak of their bloom

    Image credits: NASA

    These shots of Antelope Valley were taken by a NASA aircraft T-34 last year

    Image credits: NASA

    They also said that the region received more rains than usual this year. “This spring, Lancaster received around 10.5 inches (27 centimeters) of rain—almost 4 inches (10 centimeters) above normal,” wrote the space agency.

    “The flowers bloomed after Southern California received significant rainfall in March and April 2020,” NASA wrote

    Image credits: NASA

    Park officials call this superbloom a surprise, since it wasn’t expected due to the late-season rains

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    Image credits: NASA

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    A superbloom is an event when a large number of various wildflowers bloom at the same time due to a perfect blend of various weather conditions.

    State park interpreter Jean Rhyne said the bloom time changes every year

    Image credits: NASA

    It generally happens early in April, but due to various weather conditions, it can take place any time between mid-March and early May

    Image credits: NASA

    The bright orange of poppies dominates the color palette of images shared by NASA, but the fields of Antelope Valley are taken over not only by them. Purple forget-me-nots and bush pines are also blooming right now, as are yellow goldfields.

    The mesmerizing shots were taken from a NASA aircraft T-34, which is seen flying over Antelope Valley in California in this image

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    Image credits: NASA

    But it’s not only NASA who’s annually blessing us with amazing shots of Antelope Valley’s super bloom

    Image credits: elliotmcgucken

    State park interpreter Jean Rhyne stated that generally, the bloom in the park happens in early April, yet it varies every year. “The bloom time changes every year,” she said. “Generally, it happens early in April, but it can take place any time between mid-March and early May.”

    The poppy superbloom is a prized shot to many landscape photographers

    Image credits: _805_photography

    And they rarely miss a chance to share it on Instagram

    Image credits: artbymarigold

    NASA also wrote that “depending on the day or even hour, the orange patches may change in appearance. The poppies open their petals during sunny periods, appearing like a large blanket over the landscape. The flowers tend to close during windy, cold periods.”

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    Thus we can enjoy the spectacular view despite the park being temporarily closed to visitors

    Image credits: nomadic_natalia

    Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is temporarily closed to visitors due to the COVID-19 stay-at-home order

    Image credits: elena.nesterets.photos

    Park officials sometimes go live on Facebook so that people can enjoy the park’s views

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    Judita K

    Judita K

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    Incurable book lover and thinker, Marvel geek and social media enthusiast with a Bachelor's Degree In Creative Communication. Will write everything about anything as long as it brings joy to pandas all over the world.

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    Judita K

    Judita K

    Author, Community member

    Incurable book lover and thinker, Marvel geek and social media enthusiast with a Bachelor's Degree In Creative Communication. Will write everything about anything as long as it brings joy to pandas all over the world.

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    William Teach
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As cool as this is, I wish NASA hadn't done this. Remember what happened the other season, when thousands of social media "influences" and idiots descended on the area to take their photos and trashed the area, leading to the area having to shut down? The people didn't even care that it looked awesome, just wanted their narcissistic likes.

    Eagle Girl
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can't let a few bad apples ruin the bunch. This is Real Life 'Wizard of Oz'. Must be saved for all to see.

    Load More Replies...
    Wendy McCallister
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I agree with you for the most part but as I live in this area I can attest the park is closed and there are cops blocking the entrance so nobody can get in. There are poppies in nearby fields that are getting trampled on by locals though.

    FABULOUS1
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it only because of quarantine that the park is closed? I live in California and I believe last year once they showed the fields on a news story there was an overwhelming amount of visitors who were destroying the poppies.

    Load More Replies...
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    William Teach
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As cool as this is, I wish NASA hadn't done this. Remember what happened the other season, when thousands of social media "influences" and idiots descended on the area to take their photos and trashed the area, leading to the area having to shut down? The people didn't even care that it looked awesome, just wanted their narcissistic likes.

    Eagle Girl
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can't let a few bad apples ruin the bunch. This is Real Life 'Wizard of Oz'. Must be saved for all to see.

    Load More Replies...
    Wendy McCallister
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I agree with you for the most part but as I live in this area I can attest the park is closed and there are cops blocking the entrance so nobody can get in. There are poppies in nearby fields that are getting trampled on by locals though.

    FABULOUS1
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it only because of quarantine that the park is closed? I live in California and I believe last year once they showed the fields on a news story there was an overwhelming amount of visitors who were destroying the poppies.

    Load More Replies...
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