The combination of sunlight, islands, and wind painted this scene on the surface of the Caribbean Sea.
Published Apr 19, 2014
This astronaut photo from January 6, 2009, shows giant kelp beds in the waters surrounding Mac Murdo and Howe Islands—2 of the 300 islands that make up the Kerguélen Archipelago in the southern Indian Ocean.
Published Mar 2, 2009
Sunglint reveals the wind and wave patterns in the wake of the Canary Islands.
Published Jun 20, 2013
In addition to posing scientific challenges and opportunities, sunglint makes for some spectacular satellite images.
Published Sep 11, 2014
This detailed astronaut photograph features surface currents illuminated by mirror-like reflections of sunlight off the waters around the Malée Atoll in the Maldive Islands.
Published Mar 1, 2010
Light reflecting off the waters around Crete indicates a smooth, mirror-like surface.
Published Jul 6, 2017
The play of sunlight on water gives definition to the jagged coastlines of Sardinia and Corsica.
Published Jun 14, 2020
Samoa’s two largest islands, made by volcanoes, have productive reefs and fertile soils.
Published Sep 30, 2018
Penguins, seals, and scientists are among the residents of a remote archipelago in the southern Indian Ocean.
Published Dec 28, 2016
They are geographically isolated but scientifically and visually compelling.
Published Mar 22, 2020
In these images captured by International Space Station astronauts on August 27, 2006, bright sunlight glinting off the western Caribbean Sea reveals intersecting wave patterns and oily surfactants on the surface waters around Bajo Nuevo Reef. Bajo Nuevo is a collection of small islets arranged into two U-shaped cays, low islands made of coral or sand. This pair of images shows the easternmost of the two cays (also known as “keys”) and surrounding waters.
Published Oct 2, 2006
Reflected sunlight highlights the Atlantic Ocean, Buzzards Bay, and Long Island Sound in this photo from the space station.
Published Feb 25, 2013
Loktak Lake is home to floating islands that house a national park and a school, but the unique ecosystem is being threatened.
Published May 7, 2018
In one frame International Space Station astronauts were able to capture the evolution of fringing reefs to atolls. As with the Hawaiian Islands, these volcanic hot spot islands become progressively older to the northwest. As these islands move away from their magma sources they erode and subside.
Published Feb 16, 2003
