The International Space Station has been producing some of the world’s most breathtaking photographs every year. With its unique vantage point 250 miles above Earth, astronauts can capture stunning views of our planet’s natural wonders. From blue comets and pink northern lights to snowy volcanoes and winding rivers, the ISS offers a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular sights in the world.
Astronauts like Matt Dominick and Suni Williams have spent countless hours taking photos of these breathtaking views. Dominick told ABC News Radio that “you can’t beat” the views from space, while Williams described the experience as her “happy place.” Despite the many amazing photos they’ve captured, even astronauts admit that it’s difficult to capture the essence of what they’re seeing with just a camera.
This year, astronauts witnessed a rare comet and watched the shadow of the moon creep across the US during a total solar eclipse. They also saw colorful sunsets, noctilucent clouds, and wildfires from space. However, some views are not always pleasant – they can see hurricanes stretching hundreds of miles wide and lightning blaring through the clouds.
Astronauts have described an overwhelming feeling of awe and unity when seeing Earth from above, a phenomenon known as the “Overview Effect.” It’s this perspective shift that has the power to change people’s minds about how to work together. As Dominick said, “it really is difficult for me to imagine people on Earth not getting along together.”
As the space station nears the end of its operational life in 2030, NASA plans to send it into a fiery plunge into the Pacific Ocean. However, before that happens, astronauts will have one last chance to take photos and share them with humanity. The ISS’s legacy is already being celebrated as a testament to what humans can achieve when they work together.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/astronauts-share-most-breathtaking-images-of-earth-from-space-in-2024