Earth from Space - Image Description

STS080-702-094 Aguascalientes Area, Mexico November 1996
Aguascalientes, the highly reflective area near the center of the image, is the capital of the state with the same name. Located approximately 110 miles (175 km) northeast of Guadalajara, this urban area located on the Mexican Plateau (6486 feet - 1977 meters above sea level) was named for the numerous thermal springs that are found in the area. This region of the semi-arid Mexican Plateau is characterized by rugged mountains (darker features west of the city) separated by basins. Some of the elevated landscape (slightly darker features) display evidence of recent volcanic activity. The meandering channel of the Rio Verde Grande de Balem (aligned north-south) can be seen as it passes along the west side of Aguascalientes. The Presidente Calles Reservoir is barely visible (shaped like letter E) north, northwest of the city.

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