The image above is a screencap, but you can view real-time positions of commercial aircraft at Flightradar24. And not just for the U.S. Here is the current map of flights over Europe -
And Brazil -
The maps at the source link are zoomable and interactive with a variety of data.
As one watches these icons move, one can't help but wonder what effect all that traffic has on air quality. I remember after the 9/11 air traffic shutdown, the U.S. was reported to have record clear skies free of contrails, and measurable increases in solar energy at ground level.
Addendum: Reader Aleksejs provides the link for a similar website for tracking ships-
- with interactive features including photos of the vessels.
There is similar project for ships:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/lv/default.aspx
Also note that you can click on airplane/ship and get it's photo, decription (if available).
Excellent, Aleksejs! I've added the link (and a screencap) to the post.
DeleteThanks for sharing this. I've always wondered where the airplanes flying overhead were coming from and going to. I had no idea that I live on the flight path between Anchorage and Chicago, for one.
ReplyDeleteJust now I saw that an Air Force plane was about to cross near the town where my parents live, so I phoned Dad, and just after it crossed he told me he could see the vapour trail. So this really works. And is cool.
ReplyDelete