Japan’s ALOS ("DAICHI") satellite image: Australia's Lake Gairdner

Lake Gairdner in central South Australia is pictured in this image acquired by Japan’s ALOS ("DAICHI") satellite on 1 December 2009.

This image shows mostly the dry, salt-crusted lakebed, while the islands appear brick-red.

Credits: JAXA/ESA

The Lake Gairdner National Park, which includes the nearby lakes Everard and Harris, was established in 1991 for its significant wildlife habitat and natural features.

Japan’s ALOS ("DAICHI") satellite

While the area is hot and dry in summer, spring brings water and is a popular destination for birdwatchers.

Red and western grey kangaroos, emus and feral camels can also be seen here.

When flooded, Gairdner is one of the largest salt lakes in Australia, more than 160 km long and 48 km wide but when dry, the vast salt pan attracts racers attempting to set land speed records and is the site for the annual Speed Week event.

Speed Week 2014 poster.

Credit: Dry Lakes Racers Australia

JAXA ALOS Image: Margarita Island, Venezuela

Situated in the southern Caribbean Sea about 20 km off of mainland Venezuela’s coast, Margarita island comprises two peninsulas linked by a long, narrow strip of land – called an isthmus.

The eastern part of the island is home to most of the island’s residents, while the Macanao peninsula to the west is dominated by a central mountain range.

Between the peninsulas and cut off from the open sea by the isthmus lies the La Restinga lagoon, a national park that appears as a dark green and blue area in this image.

Recognised as a wetland of international importance by the Ramsar Convention, the area features picturesque mangroves and is an important feeding ground for birds such as herons and flamingos.

The shallow waters are home to red snappers, sardines and swordfish – among other types of fish – and oysters grow on the mangrove roots.

Japan's DAICHI (ALOS) satellite captured this image on 26 June 2010 with its AVNIR-2 Advanced Visible and Near Infrared Radiometer.

ALOS was supported as a Third Party Mission, which means that ESA used its multi-mission ground systems to acquire, process, distribute and archive data from the satellite to its user community.

In April 2011 the satellite abruptly lost power while mapping Japan’s tsunami-hit coastline.