A 2011 astronaut photograph has captured a striking display of rainbow-colored lakes that emerged around the edges of Namibia's Etosha Pan salt flat. The temporary water bodies formed following a major flooding event in the region, creating a dramatic contrast against the white salt surface.
Etosha Pan, known locally as the "Great White Place," is one of Africa's largest salt flats and a defining feature of Namibia's landscape. The pan typically remains dry for most of the year, but seasonal flooding can transform the surrounding area into a network of temporary lakes.