NASA Captures Eerie Green Swirls Over Nevada Lake What’s Behind the Glow

NASA has captured striking images of a vibrant green swirl on Pyramid Lake in northeast Nevada, visible from space. This swirling color, which appears every year, is caused by an algal bloom spanning the 125,000-acre lake, but 2024 has seen one of the most intense blooms recorded in recent years.

NASA’s Landsat 9 satellite provided images showing the deep green hue, which the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe attributes to high concentrations of *Nodularia spumigena*. This cyanobacterium, also known as blue-green algae, thrives in warm, slightly salty water, giving the lake its greenish appearance during blooms each year.

Despite its captivating look, the algae can produce toxins, such as microcystin, which can cause skin irritation and, if ingested, may lead to kidney and liver damage. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe monitors the algae levels and has advised the public to avoid all contact with the water for safety reasons.

Aaron Bill, manager of the tribe’s water quality program, emphasized the importance of public awareness to prevent exposure to the contaminated water and ensure safe drinking water for pets and visitors. He explained that as the bloom material decomposes, it releases microcystin into the water, a sign that the bloom is returning to normal levels—a process that may take two to three weeks.

Located about 35 miles northeast of Reno, Nevada, Pyramid Lake draws numerous wildlife enthusiasts for its rich fish and bird populations.