Jessica Meir(@Astro_Jessica):Recognize this striking feature in the U.S.? It’s Great Salt Lake in Utah. The scale of this gem and its two‑tone color contrast make quite an impression when viewed from above. The north part of the lake is hypersaline thanks to the railroad causeway that cuts across it. Turns out these are perfect conditions for salt-loving microbes (halophilic archaea) and pink-pigmented algae to thrive, turning the water this burgundy color – life always finds a way! The southern part of the lake receives fresh water from rivers, keeping its salinity lower, where the variety of algae is more diverse. The second photo (with Earth limb) illustrates the scale of this unique ecosystem.

2026.06.11 19:02

Recognize this striking feature in the U.S.? It’s Great Salt Lake in Utah. The scale of this gem and its two‑tone color contrast make quite an impression when viewed from above. The north part of the lake is hypersaline thanks to the railroad causeway that cuts across it. Turns out these are perfect conditions for salt-loving microbes (halophilic archaea) and pink-pigmented algae to thrive, turning the water this burgundy color – life always finds a way! The southern part of the lake receives fresh water from rivers, keeping its salinity lower, where the variety of algae is more diverse. The second photo (with Earth limb) illustrates the scale of this unique ecosystem.