Update on July 14, 2026: This Landsat 9 image shows alluvial fans in opposing orientations alongside a braided river on the southern end of Severny Island in the Russian Arctic. Congratulations to Jeff Delio for being the first and only reader to correctly name the location. Many readers guessed Alaska, home to strikingly similar landscapes. Read more about the region in our Image of the Day story, “Fans of the Arctic.” Thanks to everyone who submitted a guess—read on for more from the winner!
----------------------
It took about 30 min but I found it! Clues are the topography. Lots of water flowing through, not much timber. I went straight to Alaska but didn't see it. Then New Zealand, nope. Then the Norway, Greenland, PNW,,,,,, hmmmm. Then I went up to northern Russia and found it. Coordinates are approx 73.6817368, 55.4589770. Near Guba Mityushikha, Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia according to Google maps. That was fun. I'll be sure to play August and every other month now. Haha. Love it. Love maps. Thank you.
– Jeff Delio at 9:47 p.m. ET on July 8
----------------------
Every month, NASA Earth Observatory features a puzzling satellite image. The July 2026 puzzler appears above.
Your Challenge
Identify the location shown in this satellite image. Share what clues you see, where you think it is, and what makes this place interesting or unique to you.
How to Answer
Submit your response using this form and select “Puzzler Answer” as the topic. Please include your preferred name or alias.
You can keep it simple and just guess the location. Want to impress us? Tell us which satellite and instrument captured the image, which spectral bands were used, or point out a subtle detail about the geology or history of the area. If something catches your eye, or if this is your home or means something to you, we’d love to hear about it.
The Prize
We can’t offer prize money or a trip to space to see Earth like satellites and astronauts do. But we can offer something almost as rewarding: puzzler bragging rights.
About a week after the challenge, we’ll post the answer at the top of this page, along with a link to an Earth Observatory Image of the Day story that explains the image in more detail. We’ll recognize the first person who correctly guesses the location, and we may also highlight readers who share especially thoughtful or interesting answers. By submitting a response, you acknowledge that your comments may be edited, excerpted, and published on this page.
Until then, zoom in, look closely, and enjoy the challenge. See you at the reveal!
