NASA Landsat 9 Captures Brown Waters Mingling in Canadian Bays

NASA Earth Observatory and Streamlinefeed reported that the Landsat 9 satellite captured imagery of distinctive brown waters flowing into Hannah Bay and Rupert Bay in Canada in late September 2026. The dark coloration is caused by dissolved organic matter and suspended sediment mingling in the southernmost extensions of James Bay. [1][3]

The Cree word pahtaaunaakun describes the unique brown hues seen in the regional waters, according to NASA Earth Observatory. In Southern East Cree, the term translates to the color of singed beaver, reflecting both the humic-substance-stained runoff and the historical significance of beavers in the local region. [1]

Rupert Bay is a large bay situated on the south-east shore of James Bay. While the surrounding coastline belongs to the province of Quebec, the waters within the bay fall under the territorial jurisdiction of Nunavut. [5]