I <3 the Space StationSeen 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.

Published February 19, 2011