The NASA satellite puzzler has offered the public a chance to identify a Landsat image for the traditional prizes of credit, glory and absolutely no money. The space agency also confirmed that winners would not receive a trip to the International Space Station. Britain took this maturely, by asking whether the glory came with parking.
NASA satellite puzzler announces a prize
The June image showed the Bazaruto Archipelago and surrounding water off Mozambique. Before NASA revealed that answer, viewers could name the place, the satellite, the instrument or some unusual feature. This gave every person with an internet connection the opportunity to point at a blue shape and become briefly certain they had discovered Greece.
"I recognised the coastline at once," said Celestine Pixelby, Senior Guesser of Blobs. "Then I rotated the screen and recognised somewhere completely different with the same authority. Science is a journey. So is being wrong near a map."
The professionals politely wait
NASA asked recent winners and people in geospatial imaging to hold back for at least a day. This let beginners enjoy the full scientific experience. First they developed a brilliant theory. Then an expert cleared their throat. Finally, a comment appeared with the answer and an instrument specification that made everyone else reconsider their hobbies.
Readers could write a few words or several paragraphs. NASA said it might acknowledge the first correct answer and especially interesting details. Consequently, the prize cabinet remained empty while the credit department prepared a tasteful line of text. It was a victory with all the glamour of being tagged in a group photograph.
The islands stayed precisely where they were throughout the contest. They won nothing. Yet they had performed the difficult task of being recognisable from orbit without once mentioning their preferred name.
Read the real story: NASA Earth Observatory’s June satellite puzzler.
