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 are accustomed to seeing the Earth’s atmosphere from the ground, a recent image captured from the International Space Station (ISS) has given us a glimpse of its vibrant colors as seen from space. The stunning picture, shared by NASA astronaut Don Pettit, showcases the bright hues of the Earth’s atmosphere, with multiple layers of green, orange, and red visible in the image.
According to Pettit, the image captures “multiple vibrant layers of green atomic oxygen, orange hydroxyl radicals, and red airglow excited from solar activity.” This phenomenon, known as airglow, occurs when atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere, excited by sunlight, emit light in order to shed their excess energy. The resulting colors are a breathtaking sight, with the different layers of the atmosphere glowing in shades of green, orange, and red.
The image, which has been widely shared on social media, has sparked widespread interest and awe among space enthusiasts and the general public alike. The colors of the Earth’s atmosphere, as seen from space, are a reminder of the beauty and complexity of our planet’s atmospheric system. The Earth’s atmosphere is composed of several layers, including the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere, each with its own unique characteristics and properties.
The green layer visible in the image is likely due to the presence of atomic oxygen, which is a common component of the upper atmosphere. Atomic oxygen is formed when oxygen molecules (O2) are broken apart by ultraviolet radiation from the sun, resulting in individual oxygen atoms. These atoms can then emit light at a wavelength of 557.7 nanometers, which appears green to our eyes.
The orange layer, on the other hand, is likely due to the presence of hydroxyl radicals (OH). Hydroxyl radicals are highly reactive molecules that are formed when water molecules (H2O) are broken apart by ultraviolet radiation. These radicals can then react with other molecules in the atmosphere, leading to the formation of other compounds. The orange color is likely due to the emission of light by hydroxyl radicals at a wavelength of around 630 nanometers.
The red layer visible in the image is likely due to the presence of airglow excited by solar activity. Airglow is a phenomenon that occurs when atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere are excited by sunlight, causing them to emit light in order to shed their excess energy. The resulting colors can range from red to blue, depending on the specific molecules involved and the wavelength of the emitted light.
The image captured by Pettit is a reminder of the importance of space exploration and the role that astronauts play in helping us understand our planet and the universe. The ISS, which has been continuously occupied by astronauts since 2000, provides a unique platform for scientific research and observation. The station’s orbit, which takes it over the Earth’s equator every 90 minutes, allows astronauts to capture stunning images of our planet and its atmosphere.
In addition to its scientific value, the image is also a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of our planet. The Earth’s atmosphere is a delicate system that is essential for life on Earth, and it is vulnerable to a range of threats, including climate change, pollution, and spacecraft debris. The image serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our planet and its atmosphere, and of the need for continued scientific research and exploration.
In conclusion, the image captured by NASA astronaut Don Pettit is a stunning reminder of the beauty and complexity of the Earth’s atmosphere. The vibrant colors of the atmosphere, as seen from space, are a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of our planet and the importance of continued scientific research and exploration. As we continue to explore and learn more about our planet and the universe, images like this serve as a powerful reminder of the beauty and wonder that surrounds us.
News source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRsbl4PEZJx/
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