June 25 is the Day of the Seafarer, a global event highlighting how much we rely on the maritime industry. Turns out, it’s a whole lot, as ships transport more than 80 percent of global trade. In honor of this occasion, we’re showing a NASA satellite view of ship tracks over the Pacific. And what are ship tracks, you ask? They’re clouds that form around particles in ship exhaust when it hits the damp ocean air. These clouds often stretch in narrow paths as in this image, reflecting ships’ courses. To the seafarers out there (1.5 million, according to the International Maritime Organization), we wish you smooth sailing and a good day at sea.
Tracking ships on the Day of the Seafarer
More Desktop Wallpapers:
-
A seabird gets schooled
-
Let’s talk fossils
-
A light on National Hispanic Heritage Month
-
Nomads of the Gobi
-
Flock online for the Great Backyard Bird Count
-
Take a break! It s Labor Day!
-
Autumn’s swan song
-
There’s a dog in there somewhere
-
Riding the bore tide at Turnagain Arm, Cook Inlet, Alaska
-
Sky island views
-
Instant romance
-
A cliff-hanging complex of temples
-
Up in the Highlands
-
We have liftoff!
-
Lighting it up for Vivid Sydney
-
East River crossing
-
I see one!
-
Joan charges Riverside Park
-
An island for the birds
-
Protect your neck