Noctilucent clouds

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Noctilucent clouds

Noctilucent clouds, seen from the International Space Station (ISS). These clouds (white streaks across centre) are very thin and form high above the Earth at heights of 75-90 kilometres. Because they are so thin and high, they can only be seen at twilight, shining in the glow of the setting Sun, and only at high and low latitudes. The lower three layers of the atmosphere (from bottom) are the troposphere (orange, 15 kilometres thick), and the stratosphere and mesosphere (both pale blue & 35 kilometres thick). Above these, the atmosphere fades into the darkness of space. A crescent Moon is also seen. The ISS orbits some 380 kilometres high. Photographed on 27 July 2003, over Mongolia

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Media ID 6374183

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2003 Atmosphere Atmospheric Climate Cloud Cloud Types Clouds Colour Crescent D Usk Earth Observation Glow Horizon International Space Station July Layer Layers Mesosphere Meteorology Moon Optical Optics Photography Satellite Setting Stratosphere Sun Set Troposphere Twilight Weather Night Fall

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> Science > Space Exploration > ISS Space Station

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the ethereal beauty of Noctilucent clouds as seen from the International Space Station (ISS). These delicate white streaks, visible at twilight, adorn the high altitudes between 75-90 kilometers above Earth's surface. Only observable at high and low latitudes due to their thinness and height, these clouds bask in the radiant glow of the setting Sun. The image also showcases three distinct layers of our atmosphere: the troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere. The vibrant orange hue represents the troposphere, a 15-kilometer thick layer closest to Earth's surface. Above it lies both pale blue stratosphere and mesosphere with a combined thickness of 35 kilometers. Beyond these layers, darkness envelops space itself. Adding to this celestial spectacle is a crescent Moon gracefully adorning the horizon. This photograph was taken on July 27th, 2003 over Mongolia during Expedition Seven aboard ISS when it orbited approximately 380 kilometers above our planet. With its rich colors and intricate details, this image serves as a testament to humanity's exploration beyond Earth's boundaries. It offers us an awe-inspiring glimpse into atmospheric phenomena while reminding us of our place within this vast universe.

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