Giant Saharan Dust Cloud Blowing Over the Atlantic is Visible From a Million Miles Away in Space

The cloud, which has traveled more than 4,000 miles and triggered health alerts in the Caribbean, will reach the U.S. early Wednesday.

ImaGeo iconImaGeo
By Tom Yulsman
Jun 24, 2020 12:30 AMJun 24, 2020 4:37 PM
Saharan Dust Cloud
The Deep Space Climate Observatory spacecraft captured this image of a giant Saharan dust cloud, circled in yellow, as it was blowing west across the Atlantic Ocean on June 18, 2020. DISCOVR orbits about a million miles from Earth. (Credit: NASA)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

A colossal cloud of dust that rose up over the Sahara Desert in mid-June has been swept more than 4,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean and now threatens to bring haze and health impacts to the U.S.

The cloud is so prominent that it is easily seen in images of Earth acquired by the Deep Space Climate Observatory spacecraft orbiting a million miles away.

Strong updrafts in the atmosphere above the Sahara lofted huge amounts of dust on or around June 13, 2020. The cloud was then picked up by the prevailing winds and blown west out over the Atlantic Ocean, eventually reaching the Caribbean.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.