News by Levels · Level 3 · Student worksheet

PACE Maps Reveal Autumn’s Southward Shift

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

NASA’s October 26 feature compares PACE vegetation maps from September 29–October 4 and October 5–11. The observations reveal a southward shift in red autumn foliage.

Yet the signal is not exclusive to seasonal leaf colour; agricultural vegetation can also register as red. Ground photographs help researchers validate interpretations, while the dated observation windows distinguish the measurements from their later publication.

Source: NASA Earth Observatory, 2026-10-26. https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/hunting-red-leaves-with-satellites/

Read and practise

1. What comparison supports the shift described?

   1. Two earlier observation windows
   2. Two future publication dates
   3. Only ground photos from October 26

2. Which interpretation is too certain?

   1. Ground photos can help validate a map.
   2. Every red signal proves autumn forest foliage.
   3. Agricultural vegetation can also appear red.

Your turn

Explain the main development in your own words. Include one detail that helps a reader understand it.

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Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/nasa-pace-red-autumn-leaves-maps-october-2026/level-3/