Bright-blue 'potash ponds' shine alongside a dark-green river in Utah — Earth from space
A vibrant astronaut photo from 2017 captures bright-blue potash ponds alongside the Colorado River in Utah. These solar evaporation ponds are used to refine potassium chloride, known as potash, which is mined in the area. The distinct colors of the ponds change throughout the evaporation process, reflecting their stages of production.
- ▪The photo shows solar evaporation ponds located near Moab, Utah, covering around 400 acres.
- ▪Potash is produced by pumping boiling water into the ground to create a mineral-rich brine.
- ▪The ponds change color based on the evaporation process, initially appearing dark blue and eventually turning white and tan.
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Planet Earth Bright-blue 'potash ponds' shine alongside a dark-green river in Utah — Earth from space A 2017 astronaut photo shows two sets of solar evaporation ponds alongside the Colorado River. The stripy structures are used to refine potassium chloride, or "potash," which is mined nearby. By Harry Baker published 19 May 2026 in Features When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. An unnamed astronaut snapped this photo in 2017. It shows a series of vibrant solar evaporation ponds, which are used to help produce potassium chloride, also known as "potash," which can have impacts on nearby waterways, such as the Colorado River (also photographed).
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