COVID-19 stay-at-home order limiting people from traveling, the internet saves the day by bringing us the most magnificent views every day. This time, NASA shared incredible satellite images of a huge orange poppy super bloom in Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. Turns out, the super bloom was so powerful in mid-April that it was clearly seen from space.
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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.
Image credits: NASA
Image credits: NASA
Images show the extensive orange poppy super bloom 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,” explained NASA.
Image credits: NASA
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.
Image credits: NASA
Image credits: NASA
A superbloom is an event when a great number of various wildflowers bloom at the same time due to a comprehensive blend of various weather conditions.
Image credits: NASA
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.
Image credits: NASA
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.”
Image credits: _805_photography
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.”
Image credits: nomadic_natalia
Image credits: elena.nesterets.photos