image: The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA's Terra satellite detected several hotspots in Namibia's Etosha National Park on June 10, 2012, at 09:10 UTC (4:10am EDT/US), indicating the presence of a large bush fire. Smoke is visible blowing to the southwest. Officially the Republic of Namibia, this southern African country borders the Atlantic Ocean, Angola, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa. Etosha National Park suffered an enormous 700,000 acre wildfire in September 2011 that killed many giraffes, rhinoceroses, and elephants. The vegetation burning in Etosha ranges from woodland savanna to grasslands. Namibia is currently entering its dry winter season. Also visible is Etosha Pan, a 75-mile long salt flat formed from an ancient lake. Etosha Pan appears as the white area east of the fire. view more
Credit: Image: NASA Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team. Text: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Katrina Jackson