2024 in Focus: Satellite Imagery Captures the Year’s Defining Global Events

As 2024 draws to a close, the year has been marked by a series of significant events that have shaped global narratives, all of which have been vividly documented through satellite imagery. The use of satellite data by the OSINT team at Sky News has played a crucial role in verifying and investigating these stories, from natural disasters to geopolitical conflicts. In January, the year began on a somber note as a magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck Japan's Noto Peninsula, resulting in over 500 fatalities and extensive damage to infrastructure. Satellite images were instrumental in capturing the devastation, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the affected areas. February witnessed a historic moment in space exploration with the first successful commercial mission to the moon. On February 22, the Nova-C lander, owned by Intuitive Machines, made history by landing in the moon's southern polar region. NASA’s photographs showcased this milestone, marking a new chapter in private space endeavors. March brought tragedy to Baltimore when the container ship Dali collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, leading to its collapse and the deaths of six maintenance workers. The estimated $2 billion cost to replace the bridge underscored the incident's profound impact on infrastructure and public safety. April offered a celestial spectacle as a total solar eclipse swept across North America, captivating millions. Satellite photos documented this astronomical event, illustrating the eclipse's path over the Pacific Ocean and Eastern Mexico. As the year progressed, conflict surged in the Middle East. In May, an Israeli airstrike targeted a displaced persons camp in Rafah, Gaza, resulting in at least 45 fatalities. The images from the scene fueled international outrage, particularly as investigations revealed the use of American-made munitions, intensifying scrutiny on military aid policies. Natural disasters continued to dominate the headlines in June, with a volcanic eruption on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula. The eruption’s expansive lava flow was visible from space, showcasing the raw power of nature. The summer of 2024 was marked by the Olympic Games held in Paris, drawing global attention not just for the athletic feats but also for the infrastructure that supported them. A notable satellite image captured a temporary volleyball stadium against the iconic backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, embodying the spirit of celebration and unity. August brought severe wildfires that ravaged the outskirts of Athens, leading to mass evacuations. Satellite imagery revealed the extensive damage, with approximately 100,000 acres scorched, highlighting the increasing urgency of climate action. September saw Hurricane Helene make landfall along the Florida coast, causing widespread destruction and prolonged power outages. Nighttime satellite photos captured the storm’s fury as it carved its path across the southern United States, serving as a stark reminder of the escalating frequency of extreme weather events. October’s focus shifted to Spain, where torrential rains caused devastating flash floods in Valencia, claiming over 200 lives. Satellite imagery illustrated the extent of the flooding, with large swathes of the city submerged, prompting emergency responses. In November, an unprecedented sight emerged as Japan's Mount Fuji remained devoid of its iconic snow cap until the 6th, marking the latest date for snow in 130 years. Satellite images documented this anomaly, drawing attention to the broader implications of climate shifts in the region. December concluded the year with a rapid shift in the Syrian landscape as the civil war came to an abrupt end following the capture of territory by rebel groups. The fallout saw Russian military assets gather for transport from a Syrian airbase, captured in a revealing satellite image. This development marks a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of the region. Throughout 2024, satellite imagery has proven to be an invaluable tool for journalism, offering a unique lens through which to view the world’s most pressing events. The fusion of traditional reporting with advanced data analysis reflects an evolving media landscape, committed to transparency and informed storytelling. As we look back on the year, the images have not only documented history but have also underscored the ongoing challenges and triumphs of our global society.