Wildfire smoke in Denver can be seen from space

DENVER (KDVR) — Wildfire smoke from out of state has swept into the skies of Colorado, causing health hazards for people across the region and even causing Denver’s air quality to be among the worst in the world.

The smoke is so bad that it can easily be seen from space with real-time satellite imagery.

The images come from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s GOES-East satellite .

The satellite circles Earth in what is known as “geosynchronous orbit,” which allows it to remain fixed in orbit to a certain point on the ground. This is what allows it to capture real-time images.

Images taken from above Colorado show hazy-gray smoke covering much of the eastern part of the state.

However, the skies above Denver were clear just five days prior on Thursday, July 18.

According to the National Weather Service on Monday, the smoke was expected to last through the week.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, as well as the Regional Air Quality Council, have issued an action day alert because of both the smoke and the high levels of ozone in the area.

The ozone levels were considered unhealthy for sensitive groups and the smoke has caused the area to have moderate air quality, which could be unhealthy for unusually sensitive people.

The National Weather Service encourages people to stay inside when possible and to limit the amount of time spent outside.

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