Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
LiveScience
LiveScience
Harry Baker

Perfect trio of prehistoric atolls shine like tropical gems off Australian coast — Earth from space

Satellite photo of three oval-shaped atolls in a straight line in the ocean.
QUICK FACTS

Where is it? Rowley Shoals, Australia [-17.32117355, 119.26473330]

What's in the photo? From left to right; Imperieuse Reef, Clerke Reef and Mermaid Reef

Who took the photo? An unnamed astronaut on board the International Space Station

When was it taken? Oct. 18, 2011

This striking astronaut photo shows a unique chain of three atolls lined up side-by-side off the coast of Australia. The oval islands were once part of a colossal coral system that rivaled the Great Barrier Reef.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.