Clouds of smoke covered much of Alaska on August 16, 2004, when the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS [ http://seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEAWIFS.html ]) on the Orbview-2 satellite snapped this image. Extensive wildfires have been burning in Alaska since mid-June. To the south, a low-pressure system is beginning to form over the Gulf of Alaska. The clouds are beginning to swirl in an upside-down apostrophe as warm air from the Earth's surface meets cool air from the upper atmosphere. Generally, high- and low-pressure systems form when air mass and temperature differences between the surface of the Earth and the upper atmosphere create vertical currents. In a low-pressure system, these vertical winds travel upwards and suck air away from the surface of the Earth like a giant vacuum cleaner, decreasing the air pressure above the ground or sea. This decrease in surface air pressure in turn causes atmospheric currents moving parallel to the surface of the Earth near the base of the low to spin counter clockwise (clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere). Lows function like giant slow-moving hurricanes. The lower in pressure a low-pressure system gets, the more robust and larger this spinning circulation pattern becomes. Image provided by the SeaWiFS Project [ http://seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov/ ], NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, and ORBIMAGE
Typhoon Nida
Title
Typhoon Nida
Description
The MODIS instrument onboard NASA's Terra satellite captured this true-color image of Super Typhoon Nida at 2:25 UTC on May 19. In this image, Nida was located approximately 450 miles south-southwest of Okinawa, Japan and was packing sustained winds of 105 mph with higher gusts to 120 mph. Nida was moving to the northeast at 12 mph prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue warnings in the Kanto region. Nida is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rains, and high waves to southern Japan. Image courtesy Jesse Allen, NASA Earth Observatory, based on data from the MODIS Rapid Response Team [ http://rapidfire.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov ] at NASA GSFC.
Large Sunspot Aimed at Earth
Title
Large Sunspot Aimed at Earth
Description
At 20 times the size of Earth, the largest sunspot observed since the November 2003 series of solar storms is now pointed directly at Earth. Its unusually large size also means that it is now visible to the naked eye (although you should never look at the Sun without a proper filter). The implications of this spot have scientists on the edge of their seats—if the active region generates coronal mass ejections (CMEs), massive explosions with a potential force of a billion megaton bombs, it will be a fairly direct hit to Earth and its satellites and power grids. The last large solar events occurred in the fall of 2003 when seventeen major flares erupted on the Sun. Currently, sunspot group AR 10652 has generated several medium-sized flares and CMEs over the past three and a half days. This view is from the SOHO spacecraft's Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) instrument from July 23, 2004, at 16:00 UTC. Over the next few days, the region has the potential for unleashing more and larger solar storms. The SOHO is located in an orbit approximately one million miles from Earth in order to gain an unobstructed view of the Sun. It carries 12 instruments and is a joint NASA / European Space Agency (ESA) mission. Image and animations courtesy NASA/ESA SOHO team [ http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/ ]
Dust over the Persian Gulf
Title
Dust over the Persian Gulf
Description
A faint plume of dust from Saudi Arabia blew northward over the Persian Gulf on April 17, 2006. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) [ http://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/ ] flying onboard the Aqua [ http://aqua.nasa.gov/ ] satellite took this picture the same day. In this image, the dust appears and a faint band of tan over the water. Home to large deposits of fine sand and silt, the Middle East produces numerous dust storms throughout the year. This faint plume of dust is a relatively mild event. NASA image created by Jesse Allen, Earth Observatory, using data obtained from the Goddard Earth Sciences DAAC. [ http://daac.gsfc.nasa.gov/ ]
Haze South of the Himalaya
Title
Haze South of the Himalaya
Description
A gray pall of haze and pollution filled the skies over much of northern India and Bangladesh on December 1, 2003. Air pollution tends to ?pool,? or collect, along the southern edge of the Himalayas, where the mountains are so tall they effectively block the southern air mass from spreading northward over southeastern Asia. This true-color image was acquired by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer [ http://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov ] (MODIS) aboard NASA?s Terra [ http://terra.nasa.gov ] satellite. Image by Jesse Allen, NASA Earth Observatory, based upon data courtesy the MODIS Land Rapid Response Team [ http://rapidfire.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov ] at NASA GSFC
Haze Over the Yellow Sea
Title
Haze Over the Yellow Sea
Description
A dense gray pall of pollution covered much of eastern China on January 4, 2004. The haze has been lingering over this region for more than a month. Some of the aerosol can be seen blowing eastward across the Yellow Sea. This true-color scene was acquired by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard NASA's Terra satellite. NASA image by Jesse Allen, Earth Observatory, using data courtesy MODIS Rapid Response Team, [ http://rapidfire.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov ] NASA GSFC
Smoke over the Midwestern U.
…
Title
Smoke over the Midwestern U.S. and Canada
Description
This true-color image shows smoke spreading eastward over a large region in the midwestern United States and Canada. The smoke was generated from a number of intense wildfires [ http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/natural_hazards_v2.php3?img_id=11646 ] burning to the west in both countries [ http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/natural_hazards_v2.php3?img_id=11647 ]. This scene was acquired by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), aboard NASA's Aqua satellite, on Aug. 22, 2003. Image by Jesse Allen, NASA Earth Observatory, based upon data courtesy MODIS Rapid Response Team [ http://rapidfire.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/ ] at Goddard Space Flight Center
Gemini 9 and Earth Limb
Title
Gemini 9 and Earth Limb
Full Description
An unusual view of the Gemini 9 spacecraft taken by Eugene Cernan during his Extravehicular Activity (EVA). His umbilical and spacecraft are visible though he is not.
Date
06/05/1966
NASA Center
Johnson Space Center
Spider" in Earth Orbit
Title
Spider" in Earth Orbit
Full Description
View of the Apollo 9 Lunar Module "Spider" in a lunar landing configuration photographed by Command Module pilot David Scott inside the Command/Service Module "Gumdrop" on the fifth day of the Apollo 9 earth-orbital mission. The landing gear on "Spider" has been deployed. lunar surface probes (sensors) extend out from the landing gear foot pads. Inside the "Spider" were astronauts James A. McDivitt, Apollo 9 Commander, and Russell L. Schweickart, Lunar Module pilot.
Date
03/07/1969
NASA Center
Johnson Space Center
Atlantis departing Mir
Title
Atlantis departing Mir
Full Description
A view of the Space Shuttle Atlantis departing the Mir Russian Space Station. This image was taken during the STS-71 mission by cosmonauts aboard their Soyuz TM transport vehicle. The scene is backdropped by the Earth's limb.
Date
07/04/1995
NASA Center
Johnson Space Center
Orbital Sunrise with Venus a
…
Title
Orbital Sunrise with Venus and Mars
Full Description
View of Earth limb horizon during sunrise with Mars and Venus rising.
Date
08/03/1995
NASA Center
Johnson Space Center
Robot Arm Over Earth with Su
…
Title
Robot Arm Over Earth with Sunburst
Full Description
View of the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) end effector over an Earth limb with a solar starburst pattern behind it.
Date
06/01/1996
NASA Center
Johnson Space Center
The Lunar Farside
Title
The Lunar Farside
Full Description
View of the lunar surface taken from the Apollo 8 spacecraft looking southward from high altitude across the Southern Sea. The bright-rayed crater near the horizon is located near 130 degrees east longitude and 70 degrees south latitude. The dark floored crater near the middle of the right side of the photograph is about 70 kilometers (45 statute miles) in diameter. Both features are beyond the eastern limb of the Moon as viewed from earth, neither has a name.
Date
12/24/1968
NASA Center
Johnson Space Center
Challenger as seen from SPAS
Title
Challenger as seen from SPAS
Full Description
Full view of Space Shuttle Orbiter Challenger in space, taken by the Space Pallet Satellite (SPAS). A heavily cloud-covered portion of the earth forms the backdrop for this scene of Challenger. Visible in the payload bay are the protective cradles for the Palapa-B and Telesat F communications satellites, the pallet for the NASA Office of Space and Terrestrial Applications (OSTA-2), the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) robot arm in the shape of the numeral seven and the KU- band antenna. A number of GetAway Special (GAS) canisters are also visible along the port side.
Date
06/22/1983
NASA Center
Johnson Space Center
EVAtion
Title
EVAtion
Full Description
Mission Specialist Bruce McCandless II, is seen further away from the confines and safety of his ship than any previous astronaut has ever been. This space first was made possible by the Manned Manuevering Unit or MMU, a nitrogen jet propelled backpack. After a series of test maneuvers inside and above Challenger's payload bay, McCandless went "free-flying" to a distance of 320 feet away from the Orbiter. This stunning orbital panorama view shows McCandless out there amongst the black and blue of Earth and space.
Date
02/12/1984
NASA Center
Johnson Space Center
Andes Mountains as seen from
…
Title
Andes Mountains as seen from Gemini 7
Full Description
Waves of clouds along the east flanks of the Andes Mountains cast off an orange glow by the low angle of the sun in the West. The dark area to the left is the Earth's terminator. This view was photographed by astronaut Frank Borman and James A. Lovell during the Gemini 7 mission, looking South from Northern Bolivia across the Andes. The Intermontane Salt Basins are visible in the background.
Date
12/05/1965
NASA Center
Johnson Space Center
Explosive Evidence
Title
Explosive Evidence
Full Description
This view of the damaged Apollo 13 Service Module (SM) was photographed from the Lunar Module/Command Module following SM jettisoning. As seen here, an entire SM panel was blown away by the apparent explosion of oxygen tank number two located in Sector 4 of the SM. Two of the three fuel cells are visible just forward (above) the heavily damaged area. Three fuel cells, two oxygen tanks, and two hydrogen tanks are located in Sector 4. The damaged area is located above the S-Band high gain antenna. Nearest the camera is the Service Propulsion System (SPS) engine and nozzle. The damage to the SM caused the Apollo 13 crewmen to use the Lunar Module (LM) as a "lifeboat." The Lunar Module "Aquarius" was jettisoned just prior to Earth reentry by the Command Module "Odyssey".
Date
04/17/1970
NASA Center
Johnson Space Center
Sullivan Views the Earth
Title
Sullivan Views the Earth
Full Description
Astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan, 41-G mission specialist, uses binoculars for a magnifed viewing of Earth through Challenger's forward cabin windows.
Date
10/06/1984
NASA Center
Johnson Space Center
Skylab and Earth Limb
Title
Skylab and Earth Limb
Full Description
An overhead view of the Skylab Orbital Workshop in Earth orbit as photographed from the Skylab 4 Command and Service Modules (CSM) during the final fly-around by the CSM before returning home. The space station is contrasted against the pale blue Earth. During launch on May 14, 1973, some 63 seconds into flight, the micrometeor shield on the Orbital Workshop (OWS) experienced a failure that caused it to be caught up in the supersonic air flow during ascent. This ripped the shield from the OWS and damaged the tie downs that secured one of the solar array systems. Complete loss of one of the solar arrays happened at 593 seconds when the exhaust plume from the S-II's separation rockets impacted the partially deployed solar array system. Without the micrometeoroid shield that was to protect against solar heating as well, temperatures inside the OWS rose to 126 degrees fahrenheit. The gold "parasol" clearly visible in the photo, was designed to replace the missing micrometeoroid shield, protecting the workshop against solar heating. The replacement solar shield was deployed by the Skylab I crew. This enabled the Skylab Orbital Workshop to fulfill all its mission objects serving as home to additional crews before being deorbited in 1978.
Date
02/08/1974
NASA Center
Johnson Space Center
Spider" Over The Ocean
Title
Spider" Over The Ocean
Full Description
View of the Apollo 9 Lunar Module "Spider," in a lunar landing configuration, as photographed form the Command/Service Module on the fifth day of the Apollo 9 earth-orbital mission. The landing gear on the Lunar Module has been deployed. Note Lunar Module's upper hatch and docking tunnel. The EVA foot restraints known as the "Golden Slippers" are visible on the porch of the Lunar Module (LM). They allowed Lunar Module pilot Russell "Rusty" Schweickart to securely stand on the porch during his EVA thus allowing him free use of his hands.
Date
03/07/1969
NASA Center
Johnson Space Center
Mars: Closest Encounter
Title
Mars: Closest Encounter
Gemini 6 Views Gemini 7
Title
Gemini 6 Views Gemini 7
Full Description
NASA successfully completed its first rendezvous mission with two Gemini spacecraft-Gemini VII and Gemini VI-in December 1965. This photograph, taken by Gemini VII crewmembers Frank Lovell and Frank Borman, shows Gemini VI in orbit 160 miles (257 km) above Earth. The main purpose of Gemini VI, crewed by astronauts Walter Schirra and Thomas Stafford, was the rendezvous with Gemini VII. The main purpose of Gemini VII, on the other hand, was studying the long-term effects of long-duration (up to 14 days) space flight on a two-man crew. The pair also carried out 20 experiments, including medical tests. Although the principal objectives of both missions differed, they were both carried out so that NASA could master the technical challenges of getting into and working in space.
Date
12/15/1965
NASA Center
Johnson Space Center
Throttling Upward
Title
Throttling Upward
Full Description
Aerial views of the STS-2 launch from Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center. This photograph of Columbia soaring toward earth orbit was captured by Mission- Specialist/Astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan from the rear station of a T-38 jet aircraft. Part of the wing top of her aircraft can be seen in the lower left corner. Another T-38 jet can be seen at lower left corner near the smoke trails from the Shuttle.
Date
11/12/1981
NASA Center
Johnson Space Center
Mars: Closest Encounter
Title
Mars: Closest Encounter
Backpacking
Title
Backpacking
Full Description
Mission Specialist Bruce McCandless II ventured further away from the confines and safety of his ship than any previous astronaut ever has. This space first was made possible by the Manned Manuevering Unit or MMU, a nitrogen jet propelled backpack. After a series of test maneuvers inside and above Challenger's payload bay, McCandless went "free-flying" to a distance of 320 feet away from the Orbiter. The MMU is controled by joy sticks positioned at the end of the arm rests. Moving the joy sticks left or right or by pulling them fires nitrogen jet thrusters propelling McCandless in any direction he chooses. A still camera is mounted on the upper right portion of the MMU. This stunning view shows McCandless with the MMU out there amongst the black and blue of Earth and space.
Date
02/11/1984
NASA Center
Johnson Space Center
View of the earth transmitte
…
Title
View of the earth transmitted during live television transmission Apollo 8
Description
View of the earth that was transmitted back from space during the live television transmission from the Apollo 8 spacecraft on the third day of its journey toward the moon. This view is looking through a spacecraft window. At the time of this TV transmission, Apollo 8 was traveling on its translunar course at about 3,254 ft per second, and was some 176,533 miles from earth.
Date Taken
1968-12-23
Mars: Closest Encounter
Title
Mars: Closest Encounter
North looking view of portio
…
Title
North looking view of portion of Massachusetts and New Hampshire
Description
A north looking view of portions of Massachusetts and New Hampshire in this Skylab 3 Earth Resources Experiments Package S190-B (five-inch earth terrain camera) infrared photograph taken from the Skylab space station in Earth orbit. This picture includes a view of Boston and Boston Bay, Lowell, Manchester, Lawrence, and Salem.
Date Taken
1973-08-15
STS-53 view of OV-103's payl
…
Title
STS-53 view of OV-103's payload bay (PLB), the Moon, and Earth's surface
Description
STS-53 view taken aboard Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, captures the full moon backdropped against the blackness of space. The vertical tail points to the Earth's surface below. Also in the view is the payload bay (PLB) aft bulkhead and the orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pods.
Date Taken
1992-12-09
Mosaic view of Main island o
…
Title
Mosaic view of Main island of Hawaii made from Skylab 3 views
Description
Mosaic view of the main island of Hawaii, made from two views taken during Skylab 3 mission.
Date Taken
1973-10-05
View of the Straits of Gibra
…
Title
View of the Straits of Gibraltar from Gemini 5
Description
View of the Straits of Gibraltar, looking northeast, Morocco in foreground, Spain in background taken from the Gemini 5 spacecraft in orbit over the Earth. This view was taken during the spacecraft's 14th revolution of the earth.
Date Taken
1965-08-21
View of the Long Duration Ex
…
Title
View of the Long Duration Exposure Facility in orbit above the earth
Description
View of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) in orbit above the earth. It was placed in orbit by the 41-C crew. The background of this view is of the cloudy waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Date Taken
1984-04-06
View of the earth transmitte
…
Title
View of the earth transmitted during live television transmission Apollo 8
Description
View of the earth that was transmitted back from space during the sixth live television transmission from the Apollo 8 spacecraft as it continued its journey home. At the time this picture was made, the Apollo 8 spacecraft was about 97,000 nautical miles from earth, and was traveling at a speed of 6,084 ft per second.
Date Taken
1968-12-23
View of Press working area o
…
Title
View of Press working area of ASTP News Center at JSC
Description
An overall view activity in the press working area of ASTP News Center during the joint U.S.-USSR Apollo Soyuz Test Project docking in Earth orbit mission. The JSC Public Affairs Office maintains a news center for each mission.
Date Taken
1975-07-17
View of Melbourne, Australia
…
Title
View of Melbourne, Australia as seen from Skylab space station
Description
A near vertical view of the Melbourne, State of Victoria, Australia (37.5S, 146.5E) area as seen from the Skylab space station in Earth orbit. This view is not in sunglint. Included in this view are Port Phillip Bay, Ninety-Mile Beach and the Australian Alps. The bay opens to the south.
Date Taken
1973-12-13
View of portion of Mediterra
…
Title
View of portion of Mediterranean Coast of Turkey and Syria
Description
A near vertical view of a portion of the Mediterranean Coast of Turkey and Syria, as photographed from the Apollo spacecraft in Earth orbit during the joint U.S.-USSR Apollo Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) mission. This view covers the Levant Coast north of Beirut, showing the cities of Aleppo, Hamah, Homs and Latakia. The Levantine rift bends to the northeast. The altitude of the spacecraft was 225 kilometers (140 statute miles) when this photo was taken.
Date Taken
1975-07-20
View of southerly portion of
…
Title
View of southerly portion of Island of Sicily
Description
A near vertical view of the most southerly portion of the Island of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea, as photographed from the Apollo spacecraft in Earth orbit during the joint U.S.-USSR Apollo Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) mission. This view includes the towns of Gala, Pachino, Avela and Pozzalo. The photograph was taken at an altitude of 228 kilometers (141 statute miles).
Date Taken
1975-07-20
Artist's concept illustratin
…
Title
Artist's concept illustrating cutaway view of Skylab multiple docking adapter
Description
An artist's concept illustrating a cutaway view of the Skylab Multiple Docking Adapter (MDA). The MDA is one of the five major components of the Skylab 1 space station cluster which were launched into Earth orbit. This view includes a list of MDA characteristics to the right of the view.
Date Taken
1971-09-02
Artist's concept illustratin
…
Title
Artist's concept illustrating cutaway view of Skylab 1 Orbital Workshop (OWS)
Description
An artist's concept illustrating a cutaway view of the Skylab 1 Orbital Workshop (OWS). The OWS is one of the five major components of the Skylab 1 space station cluster which was launched by a Saturn V on May 14, 1973 into Earth orbit. This view includes a list of OWS characteristics to the right of the view.
Date Taken
1971-09-02
Artist's concept illustratin
…
Title
Artist's concept illustrating cutaway view of Skylab Apollo Telescope Mount
Description
An artist's concept illustrating a cutaway view of the Skylab Apollo Telescope Mount (ATM). The ATM is one of the five major components of the Skylab 1 space station cluster which were launched into Earth orbit. This view includes a list of ATM characteristics to the right of the view.
Date Taken
1971-09-02
View of earth taken by Astro
…
Title
View of earth taken by Astronaut John Glenn during his MA-6 spaceflight
Description
View of earth taken by Astronaut John H. Glenn Jr. during his MA-6 spaceflight.
Date Taken
1962-02-20
View of Mission Control duri
…
Title
View of Mission Control during Apollo 9 earth orbital mission
Description
Overall view of the Mission Operations Control Room in the Mission Control Center, Bldg 30, during the Apollo 9 earth orbital mission. When this photograph was taken a live television transmission was being received from Apollo 9 as it orbited the earth. The screen on the upper right hand side of the photo shows that transmission as it was received.
Date Taken
1969-03-03
Artist's concept illustratin
…
Title
Artist's concept illustrating cutaway view of Apollo Telescope Mount
Description
An artist's concept illustrating a cutaway view of the Apollo Telescope Mount (ATM). The ATM is one of the five major components of the Skylab 1 space station cluster which were launched into Earth orbit. This view includes a color coded key to different systems at the bottom right of the view. Other areas of the experiment canister are also labeled.
Date Taken
1970-01-01
Artist's concept illustratin
…
Title
Artist's concept illustrating canister cut view of Apollo Telescope Mount
Description
An artist's concept illustrating a canister cut view of the Apollo Telescope Mount (ATM). The ATM is one of the five major components of the Skylab 1 space station cluster which were launched into Earth orbit. This view includes a a color-coded key to the right of the view which helps label the electrical system, instrumentation and communication system, and pointing control system.
Date Taken
1970-01-01
Artist's concept illustratin
…
Title
Artist's concept illustrating cutaway view of Skylab Airlock Module
Description
An artist's concept illustrating a cutaway view of the Skylab Airlock Module (AM). The AM is one of the five major components of the Skylab 1 space station cluster which were launched into Earth orbit. This view includes a list of AM characteristics to the right of the view.
Date Taken
1971-09-02
View of the Syncom IV satell
…
Title
View of the Syncom IV satellite in orbit over the earth
Description
View of the Syncom IV (Leasat-2) satellite in orbit over the earth. This photo was taken shortly after it was deployed by the Discovery crew of shuttle mission 41-D. Behind the satellite can be seen the cloudy surface of the earth.
Date Taken
1984-08-31
View of earth taken by Astro
…
Title
View of earth taken by Astronaut John Glenn during his MA-6 spaceflight
Description
View of earth taken by Astronaut John H. Glenn Jr. during his MA-6 spaceflight.
Date Taken
1962-02-20
View of earth taken by Astro
…
Title
View of earth taken by Astronaut John Glenn during his MA-6 spaceflight
Description
View of earth taken by Astronaut John H. Glenn Jr. during his MA-6 spaceflight.
Date Taken
1962-02-20
View of earth taken by Astro
…
Title
View of earth taken by Astronaut John Glenn during his MA-6 spaceflight
Description
View of earth taken by Astronaut John H. Glenn Jr. during his MA-6 spaceflight.
Date Taken
1962-02-20
View of the Syncom IV satell
…
Title
View of the Syncom IV satellite in orbit over the earth
Description
Long range view of the Syncom IV (Leasat-2) satellite in orbit over the earth. This photo was taken shortly after it was deployed by the Discovery crew of shuttle mission 41-D. Behind the satellite can be seen the cloudy surface of the earth.
