Pic shows colours of Earth’s atmosphere as seen from space
The Earth’s atmosphere is a complex and fascinating entity, comprising multiple layers of gases that surround our planet. While we can’t see these layers with our naked eye from the ground, a recent image captured from the International Space Station (ISS) has given us a glimpse of the breathtaking colours of the Earth’s atmosphere as seen from space. The image, which has been making waves on social media, shows the vibrant layers of green, orange, and red that make up the Earth’s atmospheric glow.
According to NASA astronaut Don Pettit, who captured the image, the colours are a result of “multiple vibrant layers of green atomic oxygen, orange hydroxyl radicals, and red airglow excited from solar activity.” This phenomenon is known as airglow, which occurs when atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere, excited by sunlight, emit light in order to shed their excess energy. The resulting glow is a spectacular display of colours that can be seen from space, and is a testament to the incredible beauty of the Earth’s atmosphere.
The image, which was posted on Instagram, has been widely shared and admired by people around the world. The colours are so vivid and intense that they appear almost otherworldly, and it’s hard not to be struck by the sheer beauty of the Earth’s atmosphere. The green layer, which is visible at the bottom of the image, is caused by atomic oxygen, while the orange layer is due to the presence of hydroxyl radicals. The red glow, which is visible at the top of the image, is a result of airglow excited by solar activity.
Airglow is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere are excited by sunlight. This excitation causes the atoms and molecules to emit light, which is then visible as a glow. The colour of the glow depends on the type of atoms and molecules that are present, as well as the energy level of the excitation. In the case of the Earth’s atmosphere, the airglow is caused by a combination of atomic oxygen, hydroxyl radicals, and other molecules.
The image captured by Don Pettit is not only a stunning display of the Earth’s atmospheric colours, but also a reminder of the incredible beauty and complexity of our planet. The Earth’s atmosphere is a vital component of our ecosystem, and plays a crucial role in supporting life on Earth. The atmosphere helps to regulate the planet’s temperature, protects us from harmful radiation, and provides the oxygen we need to breathe.
The image also highlights the importance of space exploration and the role that astronauts like Don Pettit play in helping us to understand our planet. The ISS, which is a collaborative project between space agencies around the world, provides a unique platform for scientists to conduct research and gather data about the Earth’s atmosphere and other celestial bodies. The images and data collected by astronauts like Don Pettit help to advance our knowledge of the universe and inspire new generations of scientists and explorers.
In conclusion, the image of the Earth’s atmosphere as seen from space is a breathtaking display of colours and a reminder of the incredible beauty and complexity of our planet. The airglow phenomenon is a fascinating aspect of the Earth’s atmosphere, and the image captured by Don Pettit is a stunning example of the vibrant colours that can be seen from space. As we continue to explore and learn more about our planet, images like this one remind us of the importance of space exploration and the role that astronauts play in helping us to understand our place in the universe.
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRsbl4PEZJx/
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