NASA frequently utilizes social media to share mesmerizing images of our planet Earth. Here are five captivating pictures that are sure to leave you in awe.
Embark on an enchanting journey through NASA’s throwback images, showcasing the magnificence and beauty of Earth. Whether it’s the Moon casting a shadow on a part of the Blue Planet or Earth appearing like a tiny speck from Mars, these stunning images are treasures worth revisiting. Here are five such photos for your enjoyment:
- Earth as seen from Mars: Captured a decade ago, this image of Earth remains a fascinating spectacle. Taken by NASA’s Curiosity Rover, it depicts our home planet “shining brighter than any star in the Martian night sky.” The photo, captured during the rover’s 529th Martian day, occurred close to 80 minutes after sunset.
- Earth darkened by Moon’s shadow: NASA’s EPIC (Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera) aboard DSCVR (Deep Space Climate Observatory) captured a remarkable image of a portion of Earth obscured by the moon’s shadow. This occurred during the annual solar eclipse on October 14, 2023, with the shadow falling across the southeastern coast of Texas, near Corpus Christi.
- Photo of crescent-shaped Earth and Moon: Taken on September 18, 1977, by NASA’s Voyager 1, this incredible picture shows a crescent-shaped Earth and Moon. The spacecraft, positioned about 11.66 million kilometers away from Earth, was directly above Mt. Everest when the image was captured.
- Earth from orbit around the Moon: NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) captured a unique view of Earth from its vantage point in orbit around the moon. The composite image depicts Earth rising over the lunar horizon, with the central point just off the coast of Liberia.
- Earth – a ‘pale blue dot’: Known as the ‘Pale Blue Dot,’ this narrow-angle color image is part of the first-ever ‘portrait’ of the solar system taken by Voyager 1. Crafted from 60 frames, the Earth is seen through three color filters – green, blue, and violet.
These timeless images showcase the sheer beauty and wonder of our planet from various perspectives in space.
