Northwest Passage (IMAGE) European Space Agency Caption Parry Channel in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, as seen by Envisat's ASAR on Aug. 25, 2008, when the direct Northwest Passage was open (right image), and on Sept. 22, 2008, when sea ice is closing the direct Northwest Passage. Credit ESA Usage Restrictions For non-commercial use only License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.