NASA astronaut Don Pettit has taken a unique image of the Earth from the International Space Station (ISS) that not only impresses with its beauty, but also creates space for reflection on our world and its place in the Universe. The photo, taken on January 29, 2025, over the Pacific Ocean at an altitude of 400 km, combines the beauty of the planet and the majesty of the Milky Way. The shot was taken on the eve of sunrise, so part of the Earth was still drowning in darkness at that moment, the galaxy seems to be peeking out from behind the horizon.
To convey the cosmic scale, Pettit used a long exposure and a homemade tracking device that compensates for the ISS’s motion, allowing him to take clear pictures of the stars. This made it possible to capture the blurry motion of the Earth against the clear stars of the Milky Way. What is extraordinary is that the usual blue and white planet in the photo has acquired a soft green hue. Its contours are emphasized by a thin strip of atmosphere – the boundary between our life-filled world and the cold abyss of space.
Pettit is part of the Expedition 72 crew, along with Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Nick Hague. Williams and Wilmore recently made headlines for delaying their return to Earth. Elon Musk said that their stay on the ISS was extended for political reasons, which caused controversy. However, the astronauts are not wasting their time: the day after the shooting, Williams set a new female record, spending a total of 62 hours in outer space. Her colleagues continue their experiments and research.
The latest photographic masterpiece is another example of the masterful combination of science and art that has become part of a unique collection of images of the Earth from orbit. This image is a reminder that even in the age of satellites and telescopes, the human eye through a lens remains the most powerful tool to see the Earth as a tiny but impressive part of the vast Universe.
By the way, Pettit is also known for his humorous videos. He recently showed how he jumps into his pants with both feet at once in zero gravity.
Provided by NASA
