NEW YORK, BRONX (ORDO News) — An astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) captured a stunning photo of our planet and its celestial companion, the Moon, showcasing the beauty of Earth. Shot from an oblique angle at an altitude of 252 miles, this remarkable image captures Earth’s atmospheric limb and offers a unique look at our home in space.
The mesmerizing bluish haze that gradually disappears into the darkness of space is the mesosphere, a layer of the Earth’s atmosphere that extends out to about 50 miles. Beyond the mesosphere is the thermosphere, which is often considered part of outer space, although it is part of our planet’s atmosphere.
The Moon is visible in the center of the photo, peeking over the horizon. About 251,000 miles from Earth at its outermost point, or apogee, the Moon adds an otherworldly touch to an already impressive sight. In this image, the Moon is in the waning moon phase, located between the full moon and half moon phases.
Hidden beneath the clouds dominating the middle part of the image is Lake Assad, a reservoir located in northern Syria. As the largest lake in Syria, Lake Assad plays a critical role in providing the region with drinking water and irrigation resources. The lake was formed by the Tabqa Dam, which is also the largest hydroelectric dam in the country.
This unusual photograph, designated ISS069-E-18445, was taken on June 8, 2023 using a Nikon D5 25mm digital camera. The image has been carefully processed to enhance contrast and eliminate lens artifacts so that viewers can fully appreciate the full magnificence of this celestial scene.
Experts and scientists praised the image’s ability to inspire and evoke a sense of wonder about our place in the universe. Renowned astrophysicist Dr Neil deGrasse Tyson said: “This photograph offers a unique look at the Earth’s delicate atmosphere and the celestial dance between our planet and its Moon. It reminds us of the fragility and interconnectedness of our world.”
Historically, such images have played an important role in deepening our understanding of the Earth’s climate and atmosphere. Dr Jane Foster, climate scientist, explains: “Photographs like this provide valuable data for studying the Earth’s atmosphere and its different layers. They help us monitor changes in the mesosphere and gain insight into our planet’s climate system.”
The ISS Crew Earth Observation Center and the Johnson Space Center’s Earth Science and Remote Sensing Division were involved in making this image available to the public. The International Space Station program aims to foster scientific curiosity and a deeper understanding of the beauty and fragility of our planet.
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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