Earth from Space - Image Description

STS077-704-012 Cozumel, Mexico May 1996
The partly cloudy east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula and the resort island of Cozumel are apparent in this southwest-looking, low-oblique photograph. Cozumel Island, a popular tourist and resort area 24 miles (39 kilometers) long and 7 miles (11 kilometers) wide, is noted for its beautiful beaches and spectacular coral reefs. Point Molas is visible at the northeast tip of the island. Expansion of roads and clearings for homes, golf courses, and other recreational features are discernible. Cozumel and the Yucatán Peninsula are susceptible to hurricanes from July through mid-October. Hurricane Gilbert in 1987 was the last major hurricane to hit the area.

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