Smoke from Amazonian forest fire, as from S. shuttle

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library

Smoke from Amazonian forest fire, as from S. shuttle

A dense plume of smoke from a forest fire in the Amazon Basin adds to the smoke pall that already obscures the ground in this photograph taken from the space shuttle Discovery during mission STS-26 in September 1988. The whole of the Amazon Basin was obscured by smoke from the clearing and burning of tropical forest, pasture and croplands. The smoke cloud was the largest and densest yet seen by astronauts, covering about one third of South America

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6359721

© NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Amazon Basin Deforestation Forest Fire From Space Smoke

FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Science > Space Exploration > Astronauts

> Science > Space Exploration > Space Shuttle

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the devastating impact of a forest fire in the Amazon Basin, as seen from space. Taken during mission STS-26 by the space shuttle Discovery in September 1988, it reveals a dense plume of smoke billowing from the heart of this precious ecosystem. The smoke pall already obscuring the ground is further intensified by this colossal cloud, which covers about one third of South America. The scale and density of this smoke cloud astounded astronauts at that time, highlighting the alarming extent to which tropical forests, pastures, and croplands were being cleared and burned. This photograph serves as a stark reminder of the destructive consequences resulting from deforestation practices in our world's largest rainforest. As we gaze upon this image, we are confronted with both awe and concern for our environment. It underscores how human activities have led to irreversible damage to vital ecosystems like the Amazon Basin. We must recognize that these fires not only threaten biodiversity but also contribute significantly to climate change through carbon emissions. Let us use this powerful visual representation as motivation to protect our planet's natural wonders and work towards sustainable solutions that prioritize conservation over exploitation. Only then can we hope to preserve these invaluable habitats for future generations.

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