An Astronaut’s View of Jewel-toned Lakes

Astronauts onboard the International Space Station often observe small, otherwise unnoticed water bodies on the ground due to their unusual colors. For example, the Little Blue Run Dam and reservoir is located in western Pennsylvania, just south of the Ohio River. It is owned by Pennsylvania Power Company and used for industrial sludge impoundment. The materials suspended in the water give it a striking, turquoise color. Another lake with color linked commercial activity is Lake Gribben, just southeast of Palmer in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Iron ore is extracted from New Richmond Mine visible just north of the lake.

Metadata

  • Sensor

    ISS/35mm Camera
  • Visualization Date

    2002-05-19