What a breathtaking sight! (NASA Earth Observatory)
It should come as no surprise that when it comes to spectacular views of our planet, the International Space Station (ISS) is the place to be. That's one of the perks of circling the planet 16 times a day from a height of 420 kilometres (260 miles)!
But that doesn't mean that we've come to take these views for granted. They are always magnificent to behold, and this example is no exception.
Moon over Earth
It was taken on December 6, 2021 by one of the astronauts of Expedition 66 (meaning it is the 66th different crew to have operated on the station—crews change about once every six months). The picture features a crescent moon against the blackness of space.
Below it begins the blue of the atmosphere—the blanket that protects the planet!
Finally, there are bands of yellow, orange, and then red, all cast by the setting sun shining through the lower layers of the atmosphere.
Put together, it's a stunning view of the world at night. Below the space station at that moment, billions of people are getting ready to the rest, all under the watchful eye of the Moon. What a peaceful sight!
