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An Early Look at Fall Color in Canada
Satellite imagery from Landsat 9 shows early autumn foliage in Nunavut, Canada, as of September 6, 2026. The article describes the timing and biological process of leaf color change in tundra ecosystems.
Why it matters
Monitoring these vegetation changes helps scientists understand how plants respond to climate and environmental shifts in far northern regions.
The details
- Landsat 9's Operational Land Imager captured images of the Coppermine River. - Chlorophyll levels fall as temperatures drop and days shorten in autumn. - The region is known for willow and birch shrubs, blueberries, and bearberries. - Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light, making plants appear green.
What's next
Citizen scientists can help NASA track fall color through the GLOBE North American Phenology Campaign.
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In this article
Key connections
U.S. Geological Survey owns Landsat 9
using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey
NASA is a partner of South Dakota State University
A NASA and South Dakota State University analysis
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