San Luis, Argentina

Straight highways fan out like spokes on a wheel from the Argentine city of San Luis. To the right of the city are croplands that resemble colorful confetti. Founded in 1594, San Luis lies at the tip of the Sierra de San Luis and is largely surrounded by flat-to-rolling fertile plains.

Image date: 7 April 2007
Source: Landsat 5

Part of the US Geological Survey's "Earth as Art 3" collection of images taken by the Landsat 5 and Landsat 7 satellites.

Since 1972, Landsat satellites have collected from space information about Earth’s continents and coastal areas, enabling scientists to study many aspects of the planet and to evaluate changes caused by both natural processes and human practices. This image was created by visualizing both visible-light and infrared data in colors visible to the human eye; band combinations and colors were chosen to optimize their dramatic appearance.

Credit: Geological Survey [source has higher resolution version]

Flickr page for this photo.

Visit the Eye for Science Flickr group.

Get the "Eye for Science" widget here and install it on your own blog. Spread the scienticity!

Like this image? Want it for your smartphone wallpaper?
Use this QR Code to load it on your smartphone and enjoy!