Earth from Space - Image Description

STS056-078-091 Madeira Island, Portugal April 1993
Located in the Atlantic Ocean 350 miles (565 km) off the west coast of Morocco, Madeira Island can be seen in this southeast-looking view. Madeira Island is 34 miles (55 km) long and 12 miles (19 km) wide. The island has deep ravines and rugged mountains, with the highest point being Ruivo Peak near the center of the island at 6106 feet (1862 meters). The north coast of the island is particularly steep and very wild. The island produces wine, sugar, bananas, tropical fruits, and potatoes. Fishing, handicrafts, and tourism are other industries. Funchal, located on the southeast coast, is the main city on the island.

This service is provided by the International Space Station program and the JSC Earth Science & Remote Sensing Unit, ARES Division, Exploration Integration Science Directorate.