A Year in Satellite Images: Key Moments from 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, satellite imagery has once again played a pivotal role in providing critical insights and documentation of major global events. From natural disasters to geopolitical shifts, the OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) team has relied on satellite data, videos, and publicly available resources to investigate and verify key moments throughout the year.

January: Earthquake in Japan

On January 1, a magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in Japan, resulting in the loss of over 500 lives and significant damage to the region's infrastructure. Satellite images vividly captured the extent of the destruction, offering a stark reminder of the powerful forces of nature.

February: Commercial Mission to the Moon

On February 22, a historic milestone was achieved as the first commercial mission to the moon successfully landed. The Nova-C lander, owned by Intuitive Machines, reached the moon's southern polar region. NASA's images from February 24 documented the achievement, marking a significant moment for private space exploration.

March: Container Ship Collision in Baltimore

March 26 witnessed a tragic event when the container ship Dali struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing the bridge to collapse. The accident claimed the lives of six maintenance workers. Satellite imagery provided a bird's-eye view of the damage and underscored the extent of the disruption.

April: Solar Eclipse Over North America

On April 8, a total solar eclipse was visible across North America. The phenomenon was captured by NASA as it passed over the Pacific Ocean and eastern Mexico. The breathtaking visuals provided both scientific and cultural significance, captivating viewers across the continent.

May: Strike on Rafah Camp, Gaza Strip

On May 26, an Israeli airstrike targeted an area in Rafah, Gaza, where displaced people had taken refuge. The attack killed at least 45 people and sparked widespread international concern. Satellite images from the scene revealed the scale of the destruction, shedding light on the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.

June: Icelandic Volcanic Eruption

Mid-June saw a dramatic volcanic eruption on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula. Increased earthquake activity preceded the eruption, which led to a large lava flow visible from space. The images captured the raw power of nature as it reshaped the landscape.

July: Paris Hosts the Olympic Games

In the summer, Paris became the global hub for athletes as it hosted the Olympic Games. Events took place near iconic landmarks, and one notable image featured a temporary volleyball stadium set against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, capturing the excitement and grandeur of the Games.

August: Wildfires Near Athens

In August, wildfires ravaged the countryside around Athens, forcing thousands to evacuate. By the time the fires were under control, nearly 100,000 acres had been scorched. Satellite images revealed the scale of the fires, offering a sobering look at the damage to both the environment and local communities.

September: Hurricane Helene Strikes the U.S.

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida on September 26, wreaking havoc across the southern United States. The storm caused extensive power outages and significant damage. Nighttime satellite images showed the storm's dramatic path as it moved over Florida and Georgia.

October: Flooding in Spain

In late October, the Spanish city of Valencia and its surrounding regions faced devastating flash floods that claimed over 200 lives. Satellite imagery from October 31 showed the extent of the flooding, with large swaths of the city submerged under water, mud, and debris.

November: Mount Fuji Without Snow

For the first time in 130 years, Japan's Mount Fuji remained without snow in November. Satellite images from November 4 captured the iconic mountain in an unusual state, highlighting the impact of changing climate conditions on natural landmarks.

December: Russian Equipment Withdrawn from Syria

In December, the Syrian civil war reached a turning point with the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. As rebel forces captured key territories, satellite images revealed large quantities of Russian military equipment at a Syrian airbase, indicating a strategic withdrawal of Russian forces from the region.

Throughout 2024, satellite imagery has proven to be an invaluable tool for documenting and verifying significant global events. The ability to track environmental disasters, geopolitical shifts, and moments of human achievement underscores the growing importance of open-source intelligence in modern journalism.