| ISS005 Earth Sciences and Image Analysis Photographic Highlights |
| TOP PICKS |
| Click here to view the complete online collection of astronaut photography of Earth >> |
| ISS005-E-19024 |
 ISS005-E-19024 Click the photo number to access all resolutions available and the database record. |
| Spectacular View of Etna from the International Space Station:
International Space Station crew members are trained to observe and
document dynamic events on the Earth’s surface, such as hurricanes,
forest fires, and volcanic eruptions. Their observations provide
scientists and the general public a different perspective on these
events. Earlier this week, astronauts in the crew of the ISS-5
mission were able to observe Mt. Etna’s spectacular eruption, and
photograph the details of the eruption plume from the summit. Both of
these images are looking obliquely to the southeast over the island
of Sicily. The wide view (ISS005-E-19016)
shows the ash plume curving out toward the horizon, caught first by
low-level winds blowing to the southeast, and to the south toward
Africa at higher altitudes. Ashfall was reported in Libya, more than
350 miles away. The lighter-colored plumes downslope and north of the
summit (see detailed view, ISS005-E-19024)
are produced by gas emissions from a line of vents on the mountain's
north flank. The detailed image provides a more three-dimensional
profile of the eruption plume. This was one of Etna’s most vigorous eruptions in years. The eruption was triggered by a series of earthquakes on October 27. These images were taken on October 30, 2002. Sicilans have learned to live with Etna’s eruptions. Although schools were closed and air traffic was diverted because of the ash, no towns or villages were threatened by the lava flow. |
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This service is provided by the International Space Station program and the JSC Astromaterials Research & Exploration Science Directorate. Recommended Citation: Image Science and Analysis Laboratory, NASA-Johnson Space Center. "The Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth." . |
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