NASA Releases ISS Photo of Waxing Gibbous Moon Rising Over Atlantic

USA: NASA Releases ISS Photo of Waxing Gibbous Moon Rising Over Atlantic

NASA has published a photograph taken from the International Space Station that shows the waxing gibbous Moon rising above Earth’s blue atmosphere while the station orbited 263 miles above a cloudy Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Quebec, Canada. The image provides a striking view of the lunar phase against the planet’s horizon.

Observation Details

The picture captures the Moon at a waxing gibbous stage, indicating that more than half of its disc was illuminated by the Sun. The ISS was positioned over the Atlantic Ocean near Quebec when the shot was made, offering a clear view of both the Moon and the atmospheric glow.

Technical Context

The International Space Station maintains an orbit roughly 263 miles (424 kilometers) above Earth, completing an orbit approximately every 90 minutes. The photograph was recorded with a high‑resolution digital camera mounted on the station’s external module, allowing the crew to document celestial events from a unique perspective.

Scientific Significance

Images such as this serve multiple scientific purposes: they aid in calibrating atmospheric models, support lunar illumination studies, and provide visual data for educational outreach. The juxtaposition of the Moon and Earth’s atmosphere illustrates the interplay between terrestrial weather systems and lunar lighting.

Public Reception

Following its release on NASA’s official website, the photograph was shared across social media platforms, where it attracted considerable public interest. Commentators highlighted the aesthetic appeal and the rarity of observing the Moon rise from space.

Future Imaging Plans

NASA officials indicated that the agency will continue to capture similar Earth‑Moon perspectives during upcoming ISS missions, aiming to expand the visual archive for both scientific analysis and public engagement.

Conclusion

The newly released image underscores the unique observational capabilities of the ISS and reinforces NASA’s commitment to providing high‑quality visual content that bridges scientific research and public fascination.

Dieser Bericht basiert auf Informationen von NASA, lizenziert unter Public Domain (U.S. Government Work).