STS110-738-52 Click the photo number to access all resolutions available and the database record.
The major portion of the 180 mile (290 km) long Gulf of Suez (center of the image) can be seen in this north-looking view. The Gulf of Suez is one of the most important water transportation routes in the world connecting the Mediterranean Sea (upper portion of the image) through the Suez Canal (mostly covered by clouds) with the Red Sea (not visible on the image) and the Indian Ocean. To the gulf's right (east), the rugged landscape of the Sinai Peninsula can be seen. The 100 mile (160 km) long Gulf of Aqaba, which is part of the Great Rift Valley of Eastern Africa, is discernible at the lower right of the image. Near the upper right portion of the image, a distinct line marking the border between Israel and Egypt can be seen. To the left (west) of the Gulf of Suez, are the Western Desert and the Nile River Valley and Delta of eastern Egypt. The tail of the Space Shuttle is discernible at the right center of the image.
