<p>Seen from space, the coral reefs that form the Ebon Atoll trace a pale heart against the Pacific Ocean. Astronaut Paolo Nespoli took the romantic shot from the <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html">International Space Station</a> the Saturday before Valentine's Day.</p><p>Ebon Atoll is part of the <a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/marshall-islands-guide/">Marshall Islands</a>, a scattering of small atolls and islands once held by the United States. The islands gained independence in 1986.</p><p>Atolls are slim coral islands that arc around or completely enclose lagoons.</p>

I <3 the Space Station

Seen from space, the coral reefs that form the Ebon Atoll trace a pale heart against the Pacific Ocean. Astronaut Paolo Nespoli took the romantic shot from the International Space Station the Saturday before Valentine's Day.

Ebon Atoll is part of the Marshall Islands, a scattering of small atolls and islands once held by the United States. The islands gained independence in 1986.

Atolls are slim coral islands that arc around or completely enclose lagoons.

Photograph courtesy Paolo Nespoli, ESA

Space Pictures This Week: Black Hole Blobs, Mars Rations

Images of a Pacific-island "Valentine," a hungry black hole, and a mock meal on Mars are among the week's best space pictures.

DON'T MISS THE REST OF THIS STORY!
Create a free account to continue and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles, plus newsletters.

Create your free account to continue reading

No credit card required. Unlimited access to free content.
Or get a Premium Subscription to access the best of Nat Geo - just $19
SUBSCRIBE

Read This Next

'World’s worst shipwreck' was bloodier than we thought
World’s first ultrasounds of wild manta rays reveal a troubling truth
Titanic was found during secret Cold War Navy mission

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet