ISS Shares 'Out Of The World' Photo Featuring Earth Against Starry Backdrop

The International Space Station (ISS) treated the world to a breathtaking image of our planet taken from space. The never-before-seen photograph showcases Earth’s atmospheric glow and a star-studded sky as the ISS orbited 258 miles above the Pacific Ocean northeast of Papua New Guinea.

The captivating image, featuring the Nauka science module and the Prichal docking module from Roscosmos on the left, was shared on the ISS’s official Instagram account. The post quickly went viral, amassing over 35,000 likes on the social media platform.

“This high exposure photograph from the International Space Station shows Earth’s atmospheric glow and a starry sky as the orbital complex soared 258 miles above the Pacific Ocean northeast of Papua New Guinea. At left are the station’s Nauka science module and the Prichal docking module, both from Roscosmos,” read the caption accompanying the awe-inspiring image.

A post shared by International Space Station (@iss)

Social media users were quick to express their admiration. A user commented, “This is actually the most beautiful photo that I have ever seen,” while another marvelled at the vastness of space, stating, “These stars studded space always makes me think where this dark sky ends.”

A user remarked on the technical aspects, stating, “This shot must have needed some crazy ISO setting to get the stars. Look at all that noise!”

Meanwhile, NASA, Northrop Grumman and SpaceX are planning to send more science experiments, supplies and equipment to the ISS. They aim to do this at 12:07 p.m. EST (10:37 p.m. IST) on Tuesday, January 30, if everything is ready for the launch. This mission is the 20th time that Northrop Grumman is helping NASA by delivering things to the space station.

The Cygnus cargo spacecraft, loaded with more than 8,200 pounds of supplies, is all set to embark on its journey to the ISS. Carried by the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the launch will take place from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The spacecraft is expected to reach the space station on Thursday, February 1.

According to the NASA’s website, key research highlights on the upcoming Cygnus cargo spacecraft delivery to the ISS include:

1. First surgical robot on the space station.

2. Orbit re-entry platform for thermal protection data.

3. 3D cartilage cell culture in lower gravity.

4. MYSTIC facility, autonomous semiconductor manufacturing.

5. Metal 3D printer testing small part production.