This unique photograph of shallow Red Sea waters off the coast of Saudi Arabia gives us a glimpse of both the coral reefs under the surface, and the texture and movements of surface waters. On the left side of the image we see through the water column to the reefs below the surface. On the right side of the image, the sun reflects off of microscopic oily films formed by a combination of natural biological sources and human activities on the sea surface. The films are concentrated by surface water movements and variably dampen surface capillary waves, which effect how the sun’s light is reflected. This creates patterns of brighter and darker reflections when viewed from orbit. These patterns trace the complex surface water dynamics along the coast.
Published May 11, 2003
The Dry Tortugas are a group of islands located approximately 75 miles west of Key West, Florida; they form the western end of the Florida Keys in the Gulf of Mexico. This astronaut photograph highlights three islands in the group: Bush Key, Hospital Key, and Garden Key, which is the site of Fort Jefferson, a Civil War-era fort.
Published Aug 18, 2008
A long lens was used by astronauts aboard the space station to take this photograph of the many natural and built features around this Mexican tourist mecca.
Published Jan 12, 2015
Space Shuttle Atlantis streaked across the sky to its final landing at Kennedy Space Center.
Published Jul 28, 2011
Shot by an astronaut looking westward from the International Space Station from a location over the eastern Gulf of Mexico, this May 4, 2010, photograph shows the Deepwater Horizon oil slick brushing the Chandeleur Islands.
Published May 10, 2010
The peninsula is highly recognizable even at night, especially when looking north, as our map-trained brains expect.
Published Nov 17, 2014
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