Astronaut Don Pettit, a member of NASA’s Expedition 72 crew, captured a breathtaking image of Earth from the International Space Station (ISS), offering a unique perspective of our planet and the vastness beyond. Taken on January 29, 2025, approximately 265 miles above the Pacific Ocean, just before sunrise, the photograph reveals a world cloaked in darkness, with the ethereal glow of the Milky Way galaxy as a backdrop.
A Different View of Our Planet
The image showcases Earth in a way rarely seen. Instead of the familiar blue and green hues, the planet appears in a mossy green shade, a thin band of white outlining its atmosphere against the blackness of space. This unique coloration is due to the low light conditions and long exposure settings Pettit employed, capturing the planet’s rotation against the backdrop of the Milky Way. The galaxy itself appears edge-on, providing a view across its diameter.
Capturing the Cosmos from Low Earth Orbit
Pettit utilized a custom-built tracking device, allowing for the long exposure times needed to capture the Milky Way’s detail while compensating for the ISS’s movement. This specialized equipment enables clear star field photography from the unique vantage point of low-Earth orbit. This image joins a collection of remarkable photographs taken by Pettit, including one featuring Earth with two satellite galaxies.
Expedition 72 and a Record-Breaking Spacewalk
Pettit is part of Expedition 72, which also includes astronauts Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Nick Hague. Williams and Wilmore recently garnered attention due to an extended stay aboard the ISS, sparking discussions about their return. Following the capture of this photograph, Williams and Wilmore conducted a 5.5-hour spacewalk. This spacewalk was significant as it allowed Williams to break the record for cumulative spacewalk time by a female astronaut, achieving a total of 62 hours and 6 minutes. This surpassed the previous record of 60 hours and 21 minutes, showcasing the ongoing scientific activities aboard the station. They are expected to return to Earth in March via a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.
A Surreal Snapshot of Earth and Beyond
Pettit’s image offers a surreal and captivating view of Earth, demonstrating the beauty and wonder of our planet from a cosmic perspective. This unique photograph highlights not only the stunning vista of our galaxy but also the innovative methods astronauts employ to capture such images. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing exploration and scientific endeavors taking place aboard the ISS, furthering our understanding of Earth and the universe.
