Each month, NASA Earth Observatory presents a satellite imagery puzzle. The September 2026 puzzler is featured above.
Your ChallengeIdentify the location depicted in the satellite image. Share the clues you observe, your best guess of the site, and what makes the area noteworthy or personally meaningful to you.
How to AnswerSubmit your solution through the provided form, selecting “Puzzler Answer” as the topic. Please also provide your preferred name or alias.
You may simply submit a location guess. To stand out, tell us the satellite and instrument used to capture the image, the spectral bands employed, or highlight an interesting geological or historical detail about the site. If the area holds personal significance or offers intriguing features, we’d appreciate hearing those observations.
The PrizeWhile we cannot provide monetary awards or a spaceflight experience, we can offer a coveted reward: the prestige of solving the puzzler.
Approximately one week after the challenge closes, we will publish the solution at the top of this page, along with a link to an Earth Observatory Image of the Day article that provides further insight. The first correct respondent will be acknowledged, and especially thoughtful or insightful answers may also be featured. By submitting a response, you agree that your comments may be edited, excerpted, or published on the site.
Until then, we invite you to examine the image closely, explore the details, and enjoy the puzzle. We look forward to seeing your submissions at the reveal.
