Pictures Taken From Space Provide a Look into the Space Travel Experience
Since the first astronauts returned with photos showing our planet from a new perspective, our desire to see amazing images of Earth continues unabated. Technology now allows professional astronauts and visitors to the International Space Station to snap a photo in space and tweet it to the world in just a few minutes. We’ve rounded up some of the best “out-of-this-world” shots.
Earthrise
Source: NASA
A majestic view of Earth “rising” above the Moon’s surface as taken by astronaut Bill Anders on the Apollo 8 mission in 1968.
Earth Art
Source: Alexander Gerst
This river in Kazakhstan was the focus of a picture by German astronaut Alexander Gerst.
The Blue Marble
Source: NASA
A stunning image of our planet suspended in space taken during the Apollo 17 missionin 1972.This image of the fully illuminated Earth was the first of its kind, and has become one of the most widely distributed photographic images ever.
Aurora Australis
Source: NASA
The best view of an aurora is from above. One of the crew members of ISS Expedition 40 captured this image on July 15, 2014.
The Ultimate Selfie
Source: Tracy Caldwell Dyson / NASA
Astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson uses a mounted camera to take a self-portrait against a spectacular background of Earth in the cupola on board the ISS.
A Different Perspective
Souce: Alexander Gerst
Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand as seen from above by Alexander Gerst on the ISS.
Atlantic Sunrise
Source: Reid Wiseman
Reid Wiseman caught this amazing sunrise reflecting off the Atlantic Ocean as the ISS flew over Argentina.
Out for a Spacewalk
Picture courtesy of NASA
Missions on the outside of the ISS provide an unparalleled view of Earth below.
Night Lights
Source: Reid Wiseman
Astronaut Reid Wiseman captured these two Soyuz spacecraft docked to the ISS, hanging over the lights of Europe.
Eye of the Storm
Source: NASA
Seen from above, the weather can create beautiful images. A crew member from Expedition 40 captured this picture of Typhoon Halong.