August 12, 2008--A massive phytoplankton bloom stained the waters of the Barents Sea, creating a spectacular image for the Aqua satellite orbiting off the coast of Norway.

These tiny marine organisms capture sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into new biomass at the base of the ocean ecosystem.

During much of the year they lack light in northern climes, but summer sun triggers huge blooms and light-catching pigments like chlorophyll, which produce a vivid green hue.

--Brian Handwerk