Your Name in Landsat

Did you know there’s a NASA website where you can spell out your name using Landsat Earth images? Well, now you do.

On the Your Name in Landsat website, my name, Özgür, creates an image like this.
On the ‘Your Name in Landsat’ website, my name, Özgür, creates an image like this.

When you type your name into the text box on the ‘Your Name in Landsat’ website and submit it, the site creates your name using photos taken from space by Landsat program satellites of various locations on Earth. Each photo resembles a character, and the number of photos used matches the number of characters in your name. Multiple photos are assigned for each letter, and they are displayed randomly.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t support non-English characters like ö and ü (my name is Özgür, not Ozgur… but that’s OK).

For example, for my name Özgür (Ozgur), photos from the following locations on Earth were used:

  • Ö (O): Manicouagan Reservoir (Canada, 51°22’42.4 N 68°40’27.2 W). Located in Quebec, Canada, it is one of the world’s largest annular lakes, formed by an ancient impact crater. About 214 million years ago, a massive asteroid with a diameter of 5 km (3 miles) struck the Earth, creating a crater approximately 100 kilometers in diameter. The circular lake, also known as the “Eye of Quebec,” is a prominent geological feature visible from space. The central island, René-Levasseur Island, is surrounded by the reservoir, which is now used for hydroelectric power generation.
  • Z: Primavera do Leste (Brazil, 15°29’38.9 S 54°20’27.5 W). It is a city in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, known for its agricultural productivity. Established in the 1980s, the city has rapidly developed into a major center for soybean, corn, and cotton farming, contributing significantly to Brazil’s agribusiness sector. Its strategic location and favorable climate have attracted many farmers and investors, leading to continuous growth. Primavera do Leste is also known for its vibrant community, modern infrastructure, and strong economic performance in agriculture-related industries.
  • G: Fonte Boa, Amazonas (2°26’30.8 S 66°16’43.7 W). Fonte Boa (means “good water spring” in English) is a municipality in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, located along the Solimões River in the Amazon rainforest. Founded in 1892, it is primarily a rural area with a population dependent on fishing, small-scale agriculture, and extractive activities like rubber tapping. The region is rich in biodiversity, with the surrounding rainforest playing a crucial role in local culture and livelihood. Fonte Boa’s remote location and river access make it part of the intricate network of communities connected by the Amazon’s waterways.
  • Ü (U): Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge, Wyoming (41°19’26.0 N 105°46’13.9 W). It is a small, protected area primarily focused on conserving habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Established in 1932, the refuge covers around 1,200 acres of wetlands and uplands, providing critical nesting and feeding grounds. Though the refuge is largely undeveloped and has limited public access, it plays a vital role in preserving the natural ecosystems of the region, supporting species such as waterfowl, raptors, and various other wildlife native to Wyoming’s high plains environment.
  • R: Province of Sondrio, Italy (46°17’38.3 N 9°25’14.5 E). Located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, the Province of Sondrio is known for its stunning alpine landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Nestled in the Valtellina Valley, the province is surrounded by the towering Alps and is famous for its wine production, particularly the Nebbiolo grape used in Valtellina wines. Sondrio also boasts picturesque towns, historic sites, and popular ski resorts. The area is a hub for outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and mountaineering, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Landsat program

The Landsat program, initiated in 1972 by NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey, is the longest-running enterprise for acquiring satellite imagery of Earth. The first Landsat satellite, Landsat 1 was launched on July 23, 1972. Designed to monitor and study the planet’s surface, Landsat satellites capture high-resolution images that provide critical data on land use, natural resources, and environmental changes.

The program has launched a series of satellites, each with advanced imaging capabilities, enabling detailed observation of forests, agriculture, urban growth, and natural disasters. Landsat data is invaluable for scientific research, resource management, and policy-making, offering a comprehensive record of Earth’s changing landscapes over five decades. The program has been instrumental in understanding global environmental changes and supporting sustainable development.

Landsat 9 Launch
The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket launched the Landsat 9 satellite into a near-polar, sun-synchronous orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base on September 27, 2021. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett. Landsat 9 is the ninth satellite developed in the Landsat program and the eighth to successfully reach orbit (Landsat 6 failed to reach orbit). As of August 2024, it is the most recently launched Landsat satellite.

Sources

M. Özgür Nevres
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