NASA Earth Observatory has once again invited the internet to play its favorite game: 'What the Hell Is That From Orbit?' The May 2026 edition of its satellite image puzzler dares you to identify a mysterious location captured from space, with the grand prize being nothing more than bragging rights - because apparently, even NASA can't afford a trip to space for guessing a mountain range correctly.
Participants are asked to submit their best guess via an online form, selecting 'Puzzler Answer' as the topic. The space agency encourages you to go beyond a simple location name - impress them by naming the satellite and instrument, the spectral bands used, or a subtle geological detail. If the image happens to be your childhood home or holds sentimental value, they'd love to hear that too, presumably while filing it under 'adorable but irrelevant.'
About a week after the challenge closes, NASA will post the answer at the top of the page, along with a link to an Earth Observatory Image of the Day story that overexplains everything. The first correct responder gets 'puzzler bragging rights' - a prize that cannot be cashed in for anything, not even a commemorative T-shirt. The agency may also highlight particularly thoughtful answers, because everyone loves a little public validation.
So zoom in, look closely, and enjoy the challenge. Remember: submitting your response means NASA might edit, excerpt, and publish your comments - but hey, that's the price of orbital fame.