1 min readHow NASA Uses Light to Detect Waste From MinesEarth (ESD)EarthExploreExplore Earth ScienceAgricultureAir QualityClimate ChangeFreshwaterLife on EarthSevere StormsSnow and IceThe Global OceanScience at WorkEarth Science at WorkTechnology and InnovationPowering BusinessMultimediaImage CollectionsVideosDataFor ResearchersAbout UsTens of thousands of abandoned mines threaten waterways across the American West, but identifying which sites urgently need cleanup is slow and expensive. Now, NASA’s EMIT instrument can analyze the unique light signatures of mine waste from space to help focus remediation efforts where they’re needed most. Original Video and AssetsShareDetailsLast UpdatedMay 28, 2026Related TermsEarthEMIT (Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation)Video SeriesExplore More5 min readA Shift in What’s Shaping U.S. LandscapesWild disturbances are on the rise, while land disturbed by human activity has been decreasing.Article11 hours ago2 min readEver Restless Mount Dukono EruptsThe volcano on Indonesia’s Halmahera Island routinely ejects ash, volcanic gases, and volcanic bombs.Article1 day ago7 min readThree Ways that a New Land Monitoring System is Transforming How We Manage ForestsDIST-ALERT, a global land change monitoring system, is revolutionizing forest management.Article2 days agoKeep ExploringDiscover More Topics From NASAEarthYour home. Our Mission. And the one planet that NASA studies more than any other.Earth ObservatoryNASA’s Earth Observatory brings you the Earth, every day: images, stories, and discoveries about the environment, Earth systems, and climate.Earth Science at WorkNASA Earth Science helps Americans respond to challenges and societal needs — such as wildland fires, hurricanes, and water supplies…Earth VideosCollection of Earth science videos explaining a variety of concepts and activities performed by NASA’s Earth Science Division.