Photo of the day
Seasonal phytoplankton blooms explode across the global ocean, creating dazzling displays of color that can only be seen from outer space. What makes it possible for us to detect these microalgae from space is chlorophyll, a green pigment found in phytoplankton that tints the nearby waters. Chlorophyll also plays a critical role in photosynthesis, which enables the ocean to absorb one-third of the carbon dioxide caused by human activities.
Image © NASA