Satellite images allow scientists a high degree of accuracy in studying the natural and man-made changes in the Galapagos. The eruption of Cerro Azul in 1999 was first detected via satellite photos. When a tanker spilled oil in 2001, the slick was tracked hour-by-hour with the help of satellites. The satellite photos provided evidence that this potential disaster was not as serious as it could have been. In the future, satellite imagery may help the Ecuadorian government detect illegal fishing activity. (Images provided courtesy of NASA/JPL/Caltech and Johnson Space Center unless otherwise specified.)