NASA astronaut captures breathtaking image from space
In a picture that can only be taken from space, NASA astronaut Don Pettit shared a jaw-dropping image of the cosmos during his third stay on the International Space Station.
AccuWeather’s Bernie Rayno talks with astronauts Michael Barratt and Tracy Caldwell Dyson aboard the International Space Station who answer all your burning questions while floating in zero gravity.
NASA astronaut Don Pettit is currently on his third stay on the International Space Station where he works with other astronauts to conduct experiments and maintain the celestial outpost. But in his spare time, he has been honing his photography skills and recently shared a breathtaking image that can only be captured from space.
The photo is rich with cosmic beauty, featuring the glow of the Milky Way galaxy and countless stars in the background, a faint pillar of sunlight known as the Zodiacal light, blips of light from satellites streaking by, the edge of Earth's atmosphere and the planet itself.
An image of Earth and the Milky Way as seen from the International Space Station. (/NASA/Don Pettit)
Taking photos of Earth is a popular hobby for astronauts who have extended stays on the space station, as they have a unique vantage point of the planet. The station orbits Earth every 90 minutes, allowing the astronauts onboard to witness 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets each day.
In 2016, European Space Agency astronaut Tim Peake shared with his social media followers the variety of cameras and lenses he used to capture images of Earth. The largest lens allowed him to take detailed photos of cities and landscapes 250 miles below the station.
NASA also utilizes cameras on the International Space Station to create a live broadcast, allowing anyone to tune in and view the current scene from space.
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