Fire on Earth
Credit & Copyright: John McColgan
(AFS,
BLM)
Explanation:
Sometimes, regions of planet Earth can be seen lit up with fire.
Since
fire is the rapid acquisition of oxygen, and since
oxygen is a key indicator of life,
fire on any planet would be an indicator of life on that planet.
Most of the Earth's land has been
scorched by fire at some time in the past.
Although causing many a tragedy, fire is considered part of a
natural ecosystem cycle.
The year 2000 fire season in the continental
United States has been one of the most active on record,
burning an area similar in size to
New Jersey.
Large forest fires on Earth are usually caused by
lightning and can be
visible from orbit.
Above, stunned
Elk avoid a
fire sweeping through
Montana's
Bitterroot Valley
by standing in a river.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
