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Satellite spots a 'hummingbird' in Antarctica | Space photo of the day for July 23, 2026
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A satellite image captured over Antarctica has revealed a striking shape resembling a hummingbird, created by glacier movements on a mountain. The image, taken by the NISAR satellite, shows the dark peak of Nunatak Zaterjavshijsja appearing as the bird's belly, with ice streams and crevasses forming its tail and feathers. This mesmerizing view showcases how natural forces can produce patterns that mimic familiar forms.
NISAR, a joint mission between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is designed to monitor Earth's surface with unprecedented precision. Launched in early 2025, it uses synthetic aperture radar to penetrate snow and ice, providing unique insights into glacier dynamics. The satellite was described by NASA's Earth Science Division director as 'the most sophisticated radar we've ever built' during a pre-launch briefing.
The image was produced by signal analysis engineer Seongsu Jeong at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. According to Jeong, the dark belly of the 'bird' is the mountain's crest, while the tail consists of ice flowing northeast toward the ocean. Feather-like patterns are actually crevasses formed by glaciers fracturing the mountain's surface as they creep seaward.
This image highlights how radar can reveal hidden properties of Antarctic ice. Unlike optical imagery, NISAR can see through snow and deep into ice, exposing structures invisible to the naked eye. These details are critical for understanding how glaciers move and respond to climate change.
Jeong emphasized the dual nature of the image: 'First, it's a beautiful image, with rich details of features that provide insights to how the glacier is moving. Then, because radar can often see through snow and deep into the ice, NISAR can observe fundamentally different properties of Antarctic ice.'
On July 20, 2026, NISAR began making its radar data publicly available. This open-access policy allows researchers worldwide to study glacier dynamics, monitor environmental changes, and protect the planet. The mission teams will continue releasing data, enabling scientists to track ice flow patterns and predict future sea-level rise.
As climate change accelerates, tools like NISAR become vital for observing remote regions. The hummingbird image serves as a reminder of the beauty hidden in scientific data, while also providing actionable information for understanding our changing world. With ongoing data releases, NISAR promises to deepen our knowledge of Earth's frozen frontiers.
