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Astronaut Photography

Toshka Lakes, Southern Egypt
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Toshka Lakes, Southern Egypt

New lakes in southern Egypt have been monitored by astronauts since 1998. The flooding was first documented in early November 1998. Subsequently, three additional lakes were created by Lake Nasser overflow, as shown by the above photograph taken in December of 1999.

Published Dec 17, 2000

Image of the Day Land

Smog Layer Over Upstate New York
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Smog Layer Over Upstate New York

The STS-92 Space Shuttle astronauts photographed upstate New York at sunset on October 21, 2000. Water bodies (Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, the Finger Lakes, the St. Lawrence and Niagara Rivers) are highlighted by sunglint (sun reflecting off the water surface), making for a dramatic and unusual regional view.

Published Dec 10, 2000

Image of the Day Atmosphere

First Image of Earth from the International Space Station
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First Image of Earth from the International Space Station

Astronauts used the Electrical Still Camera (ESC) to photograph a mass of storm clouds during Expedition 1.

Published Dec 3, 2000

Image of the Day Atmosphere

Smoky Air over North Carolina and Virginia
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Smoky Air over North Carolina and Virginia

This photograph taken from the Space Shuttle Discovery was taken at a slightly oblique look angle to better view air pollution and other atmospheric features. The photograph was taken with the Shuttle in a position over the Atlantic Ocean looking back toward the North Carolina and Virginia coast. On October 23, 2000, high pressure centered over the northeastern U.S. had created a capping inversion for aerosols. Forest fire smoke and industrial air pollution accumulated under the inversion. The inversion pattern is stronger inland, and the aerosols are being banked against the Piedmont. Relatively clear air is flowing from the ocean over the Carolina coastal plain. Small smoke plumes from individual fires can also be seen on the ground stretching from central Virginia to Raleigh, NC.

Published Nov 18, 2000

Image of the Day Atmosphere