![At the bottom of the mosaic, the Larsen C Ice Shelf is a uniform, cold (light blue) expanse. Under clear-sky conditions, flat snow and ice surfaces radiate heat to space, creating a thin, chilled layer of air that pools at the surface and contributes to its cold appearance. In places with more topography, even a calm wind will disrupt this layer and cause surface features to give off a warmer signal. In this way, thermal imagery can map topography in relatively fine detail.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/leapscenezm-oli-20230722.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Scenes from the Polar Night
Landsat satellites have begun regularly acquiring images of ice at the poles during the winter, with enlightening results. View the full story
Credits: NASA Earth Observatory / Lauren Dauphin
TakenJuly 23, 2023
Image CreditNASA Earth Observatory / Lauren Dauphin
Size640x484px