A satellite image released by the European Space Agency shows the Venetian Lagoon in northern Italy in fine detail. Italy's IRIDE satellites captured it on 17 May 2026. The Grand Canal curves through the historic center of Venice, surrounded by blue water and several islands. White trails left by boats are visible in some of the busy waterways. Boats remain a key form of local transport.
Colors in the image carry information. Where sediment is suspended in the water, the lagoon appears bright blue, while clearer water looks dark blue. Brown and dark green areas mark salt marshes, known locally as barene, which are an important habitat for migrating birds. A 3.8-kilometer railway bridge links the city's station with the mainland. IRIDE is a national Earth observation program started by the Italian government and developed by ESA for the Italian Space Agency. More satellites were due to join the constellation on 1 October.