The public observatory
The world
leaves a
signal.
Flight paths. Radio waves. Orbital tracks.
A closer look at a world that never stands still.
Follow what catches your attention.
The Eye of the Sahara.
Satellite imagery with a graphic overlay.
EXPLORE THE DESKS
Different signals.
Same curiosity.
Flight paths, field reports, and signals beyond the horizon.
Pick a starting point.
Flight tracking.
Follow aircraft across the map—and see how receivers turn radio signals into tracks.
Aviation reports.
Put occurrences on the map. Read the reports, check the dates, and follow the original sources.
The radio desk.
See where signals travel. Explore reception maps, listening posts, and the shape of a wavelength.
Space weather.
A restless Sun. A changing ionosphere. Follow NOAA conditions, Kp history, and the aurora outlook.
Satellite tracking.
Follow the ISS and amateur-radio spacecraft. Explore predicted passes and signals above the horizon.
Observation files.
Places that reward a second look. Explore satellite imagery, map locations, and source dossiers.
Signals lab.
Follow daylight around Earth. Work out a bearing, find a grid square, or practice a signal.
Earthquake desk.
Read the restless Earth. Map recent earthquakes, follow new reports, and inspect the original USGS records.
Public notices.
Follow the public record. Read official warnings, preparedness guidance, and dated announcements in their own desk.