5 February 2024

20 Mind-Blowing Pictures Taken By Astronauts in Space

By Ronald Smith

Remember when everyone was talking about “selfies” back in 2013? Well, around that same time, astronaut Mike Hopkins took a selfie in space that became really famous. And let me tell you, it wasn’t just any ordinary selfie. This picture gave us a rare glimpse of Earth from space and showed us just how daring astronauts can be to capture these incredible moments. But you know, those selfies are just the tip of the iceberg. Astronauts like Reid Wiseman and Chris Hadfield are always sharing the most unbelievable photos from space on social media.

So, guess what? I went ahead and gathered a bunch of those jaw-dropping pictures for you. I’ve got 20 breathtaking photos taken by astronauts, and I’ll even tell you the stories behind each one. So get ready to be amazed!

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Isn’t space amazing? It’s incredible to think about, especially now that space travel is becoming available to everyone. Don’t you find that fascinating?

Photo #1: Farewell to the Moon

Did you know that the Moon rises and sets, just like the Sun? It’s true! This mesmerizing photo captures a moment called Moonset, when the Moon bids us goodbye for the day.

20 Mind-Blowing Pictures Taken By Astronauts in Space

I’ve got you covered! If you missed the Supermoon on August 13, 2014, don’t worry. I’ve got a stunning photo taken by American astronaut Reid Wiseman that you’ll love. Check it out!

20 Mind-Blowing Pictures Taken By Astronauts in Space

Photo #3: A Breathtaking Indian Ocean Sunset

Imagine watching the Sun as it slowly disappears below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple. Well, that’s exactly what I had the privilege of witnessing from the International Space Station (ISS). As I gazed out of the window, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty of nature.

20 Mind-Blowing Pictures Taken By Astronauts in Space

Photo #4: A Glimpse of the Enchanting New Moon

Let’s take a moment to admire the captivating sight of the New Moon as it graces the vast expanse of the southeast Pacific Ocean. Observe the delicate crescent shape at the lower part, where the Moon shines with the borrowed light of the sun.

20 Mind-Blowing Pictures Taken By Astronauts in Space

A Tale of Two Koreas: A Glaring Contrast

Let me show you a captivating image that effortlessly captures the glaring differences between North and South Korea. Take a close look at this photo, and you’ll witness the stark contrast between these two nations. On the right, South Korea shines brightly, its cities illuminated like a breathtaking spectacle. In complete juxtaposition, we see North Korea, engulfed in darkness, a haunting symbol of isolation. Only a single spot, glimmering with feeble light, reveals the presence of Pyongyang, the capital city.

20 Mind-Blowing Pictures Taken By Astronauts in Space

Photo #6: A Spectacular View of the Northern Lights from Space

Can you believe that the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, look even more mesmerizing when seen from space? It’s true! Just take a look at this incredible photo captured by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

From their vantage point high above the earth, the astronaut was able to capture the stunning beauty of the Aurora Borealis in all its glory. This particular photo shows the lights shining brightly over the eastern North Atlantic, illuminating the darkness with vibrant colors.

But what makes this photo even more amazing is the addition of city lights from the United Kingdom and Ireland. The contrast between the natural wonder of the Northern Lights and the man-made lights from the cities below creates a truly breathtaking scene.

So next time you see the Northern Lights from earth, just imagine how incredible they must look from space. It’s truly a sight to behold, and this photo is proof of that.

20 Mind-Blowing Pictures Taken By Astronauts in Space

Photo #7: Rocket Attacks Over Israel and Gaza

When I first glance at this photo, it seems like any ordinary cityscape. But as I take a closer look, I notice something more unsettling – bursts of light piercing through the darkness. Those bursts of light, my friend, are not mere fireworks or starbursts; they are actually rocket attacks. Can you believe it?

Imagine being high above the Earth’s surface, looking down upon these explosions in the night sky. It’s a chilling sight, a stark reminder of the conflicts that plague our world.

This particular photo was captured by Alexander Gerst, a German astronaut. He had the unique opportunity to witness these rocket attacks firsthand from the International Space Station.

It’s a sobering photograph, one that confronts us with the harsh realities of war. We cannot ignore the violence unfolding just below our feet. Instead, we must strive for peace and understanding, hoping that one day, such scenes will be confined to history books.

20 Mind-Blowing Pictures Taken By Astronauts in Space

Astonishing Photo: Dubai’s Nighttime Beauty

When astronauts gaze down at Earth during the nighttime, one sight that never fails to awe them is Dubai’s magnificent landscape. I just can’t blame them because the view is truly extraordinary! Take a look at this captivating image captured from space.

In the top left corner of the photo, you can spot the man-made wonder called Palm Island. This incredible creation is always a highlight and draws attention with its exquisite design that can be seen even from way up here.

As a person who is always amazed by the beauty of our world, it’s fascinating to witness the brilliance of Dubai’s nighttime splendor. Even from thousands of miles away, this city captivates me with its stunning lights and architectural marvels.

So, next time you look up at the night sky, remember that Dubai’s mesmerizing beauty is shining brightly among the stars, leaving us in awe of what humans can achieve.

20 Mind-Blowing Pictures Taken By Astronauts in Space

Photo #9: Bolivia’s Golden River

Have you ever seen a river that looks like it’s made of gold? Well, take a look at this incredible photo! This winding river in Bolivia seems to be made of pure gold, but it’s just an illusion. The reflection of sunlight on the water gives it this mesmerizing golden color.

Imagine standing by the riverbank and feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin. As you look at the river, the sunlight dances on its surface, creating a magical golden glow. It’s like something out of a fairytale!

The Sun is shining from the right side, casting its light onto the river. This illuminates every twist and turn of the water, making it gleam like molten gold. It’s a sight that fills me with wonder and amazement.

This photo reminds me of the beauty that nature holds. It shows us that even ordinary things like a river can transform into something extraordinary with just the right lighting. It’s a reminder to always keep our eyes open to the wonders around us.

Next time you see a river, take a moment to appreciate its beauty. Who knows, maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of a golden river too!

20 Mind-Blowing Pictures Taken By Astronauts in Space

Chris Hadfield here, and I’ve got something fascinating to share with you. Take a look at this photo of Mount Vesuvius from above. Can you believe this is what it looks like from space? It’s incredible to see how close towns and cities are to this active volcano in the Gulf of Naples, Italy. It’s quite unsettling, don’t you think?

20 Mind-Blowing Pictures Taken By Astronauts in Space

Snapshot #11: The Breathtaking Mount Fuji in Japan

So, here we have astronauts who not only explore outer space but also take pictures of the incredible things they see, like mountains. And boy, do they capture some stunning shots! Just feast your eyes on this mesmerizing photo of Mount Fuji, which just so happens to be Japan’s tallest mountain.

20 Mind-Blowing Pictures Taken By Astronauts in Space

Photo #12: The Ocean Comes Alive

Check out this incredible photo I found! It’s a snapshot of the ocean off the coasts of Oregon and Washington, where something amazing is happening. Can you see that beautiful milky green trail? That’s the growth of phytoplankton, a tiny organism that’s a bit like a plant.

Yes, you heard me right. The ocean is teeming with life, and this photo captures a moment of thriving, blooming, and flourishing. It’s like the ocean has come alive!

20 Mind-Blowing Pictures Taken By Astronauts in Space

Photo #13: Encountering the Mesmerizing Beauty of New Zealand’s Hawke Bay

When I gaze upon the vast expanse of the ocean, an undeniable feeling of awe washes over me. It’s as if nature herself has invited me to marvel at her stunning creation, and it’s impossible not to yield to her magnetic pull. And one place that showcases this breathtaking beauty in all its glory is Hawke Bay in New Zealand.

20 Mind-Blowing Pictures Taken By Astronauts in Space

Typhoon Haiyan: A Fierce Storm Sweeping Over the Philippines

Hey, do you remember when Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines? It was a crazy sight from space! Imagine this gigantic whirlwind of clouds completely surrounding the entire country.

20 Mind-Blowing Pictures Taken By Astronauts in Space

Photo #15: Lightning Strikes Across the Skies of West Africa

When I gaze upon our planet from outer space, the brilliance of lightning flashes surpasses even the most luminous city lights. It amazes me to witness this incredible phenomenon, a true marvel of nature. Today, I am sharing with you a captivating snapshot of a magnificent lightning display blazing across the skies of West Africa.

20 Mind-Blowing Pictures Taken By Astronauts in Space

Hey there! I want to share with you a fascinating photo that caught my eye. It’s called “The Eye of Sahara” or the Richat Structure in Mauritania. Astronauts often use this landmark as a point of reference. Cool, right?

20 Mind-Blowing Pictures Taken By Astronauts in Space

Photo #17: The Majestic Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is a sight to behold! Just take a look at this remarkable section off the coast of Australia.

20 Mind-Blowing Pictures Taken By Astronauts in Space

A View of Space: Beyond Earth’s Bounds

Every now and then, us astronauts direct our attention away from our home planet, and what we see is truly breathtaking. Take a look at this remarkable image, where you can see the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) firing its boosters to tweak the International Space Station’s (ISS) path through space.

20 Mind-Blowing Pictures Taken By Astronauts in Space

Photo #19: Taking Care of the ISS Up in Space

When I’m up on the International Space Station (ISS) and I’m outside, it’s not just all about the cool views. I actually have important work to do up here. Sometimes, that means getting my hands dirty and doing some maintenance on this incredible piece of machinery.

One of the things you’ll catch me doing during my spacewalks is capturing special moments on camera. It’s kind of like taking a selfie, but with a much better view. I want you to be part of this incredible journey with me, so I make sure to document these amazing moments for you to see.

But remember, it’s not all just fun and games up here. Once I finish capturing those unforgettable shots, I have to focus on some serious maintenance work. It’s kind of like being a repair person, but in space. I have to make sure everything’s running smoothly and fix anything that’s not working quite right.

So, when you see these photos capturing my adventures outside the ISS, remember that there’s more to it than meets the eye. It’s about taking care of this incredible space station and sharing its wonders with you. Join me on this thrilling journey!

20 Mind-Blowing Pictures Taken By Astronauts in Space

Photo #20: Star Trails Galore in a Breathtaking Long Exposure Shot

Hey there! I’m excited to show you this incredible photo of star trails captured by astronaut Don Pettit. Brace yourself for an awe-inspiring sight!