The northern part of The Bahamas, as seen from the Space Shuttle Columbia (mission STS52), showing light blue, shallow seas separated by very deep, blue channels. In the foreground is the Great Bahama Bank with the island of Andros occupying its top edge. The narrow, blue channel above Andros is known as the Tongue of the Ocean. The small island above Andros at lower centre left is New Providence which hosts Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas. The top of the frame is occupied by the Atlantic Ocean (looking towards Europe) whereas the geographical north is at left. San Salvador, the island where C. Columbus landed in 1492, is found at upper centre right.