Data sources and freshness

The globe uses public information. A marker reflects the source dataset and its last successful retrieval, not a certified real-time measurement.

Explore in the Earth Data Lab

The Earth Data Lab provides interactive filtering, analysis and downloads using these same free sources.

USGS — earthquakes

Earthquake information is requested from USGS GeoJSON feeds. Event records may be revised and are not a substitute for official local warnings.

NASA EONET — natural events

Open natural-event information comes from NASA EONET. Categories and event positions describe reports, not exact hazard boundaries.

NOAA SWPC — geomagnetic activity

Planetary K-index observations are sourced from NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. The Kp index is planetary, not a local aurora forecast.

Understanding the live source status panel

↗ Open the Scientific Source Status panel on the 3D Earth. It will expand automatically and show this browser’s latest provider statuses.

On the main globe, expand Scientific Source Status in the right-hand intelligence panel. Statuses describe this browser’s last available source state:

RECEIVED: the browser successfully received and processed the source response. This does not guarantee continuously live data or that every event record is recent.
OLDER DATA: the original source loader has identified an older observation. A recent network request cannot make an old measurement new.
CHECKING: a source request is in progress; previous successful results should not be mistaken for the final result.
UNAVAILABLE: no usable data was reported by that loader during the attempted retrieval. This is not evidence of zero earthquakes or events.
OFFLINE: this browser reported a network disconnection. Restoring the connection does not verify that the source was refreshed.

The panel uses the statuses already determined by the Earth source loaders. It does not issue separate requests, substitute cached guesses for new observations, or provide forecasts. Use each provider’s direct website for the current authoritative record.

Data freshness and outages

Feed results are downloaded in the browser where supported. A failed request, filtered-out record or missing source is not evidence that no Earth activity exists. Check each source's published timestamp and status.

Responsible use

Data services may revise records, change endpoints, or apply access limits. Do not use this site for emergency response, aviation decisions or personal safety alerts; consult responsible national authorities.

Cost policy

We prefer open, free public feeds, lightweight client-side processing, and no continuous camera streaming. Some external services may have usage policies; follow source links for current terms.