The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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A northeasterly wind gives rise to pronounced wind shadow patterns behind the islands of Alicudi, Filicudi and Salina. The small-scale eddy, located north of the islands of Salina and Panarea, becomes visible because (natural) surface slicks are entrained by the spiral surface current field associated with the eddy. A headland eddy is also faintly visible west of the thorn-shaped peninsula Milazzo (lower right-hand section of the image). The dark areas in the image are very likely caused
by surface slicks. Satellite: ERS-1