ISS031-E-35310
| NASA Photo ID | ISS031-E-35310 |
| Focal Length | 180mm |
| Date taken | 2012.05.15 |
| Time taken | 22:18:58 GMT |
Resolutions offered for this image:
1000 x 704 pixels 540 x 380 pixels 720 x 480 pixels 4288 x 2848 pixels 640 x 425 pixels
1000 x 704 pixels 540 x 380 pixels 720 x 480 pixels 4288 x 2848 pixels 640 x 425 pixels
Cloud masks available for this image:
Spacecraft nadir point: 35.6° S, 70.7° W
Photo center point:
Photo center point by machine learning:
Photo center point:
Photo center point by machine learning:
Nadir to Photo Center:
Spacecraft Altitude: 218 nautical miles (404km)
Country or Geographic Name: | PACIFIC OCEAN |
Features: | CLOUDS, SUNGLINT, PACIFIC OCEAN |
| Features Found Using Machine Learning: | |
Cloud Cover Percentage: | 100 (76-100)% |
Sun Elevation Angle: | -7° |
Sun Azimuth: | 289° |
Camera: | Nikon D2Xs Electronic Still Camera |
Focal Length: | 180mm |
Camera Tilt: | High Oblique |
Format: | 4288E: 4288 x 2848 pixel CMOS sensor, RGBG imager color filter |
Film Exposure: | |
| Additional Information | |
| Width | Height | Annotated | Cropped | Purpose | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 pixels | 704 pixels | No | Yes | Earth From Space collection | Download Image |
| 540 pixels | 380 pixels | Yes | Yes | Earth From Space collection | Download Image |
| 720 pixels | 480 pixels | Yes | No | NASA's Earth Observatory web site | Download Image |
| 4288 pixels | 2848 pixels | No | No | Download Image | |
| 640 pixels | 425 pixels | No | No | Download Image |
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Image Caption: Sunglint and Clouds off Western South America
Note: This caption refers to the image versions labeled "NASA's Earth Observatory web site".
The setting sun highlights cloud patterns above the Pacific Ocean, as well as the ocean surface itself in this impressive image taken by an astronaut on board the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS was located over the Andes Mountains of central Chile at the time. The view is looking towards the Pacific Ocean and the Sun setting in the west (towards image upper right). Light from the setting Sun reflects off the water surface towards the observer on the ISS and creates a mirror-like appearance--a phenomenon known as sunglint.
Bands of relatively low altitude cumulus clouds appear much like a flotilla of ships with their west-facing sides illuminated by the waning sunlight and the rest in shadow (image center). Due to the low Sun angle, they cast long and deep shadows over large swaths of the ocean surface. Given the short camera lens used, an individual cloud shadow may extend for miles. Light gray clouds at image lower left appear to be at a higher altitude. The cloud cover is likely a remnant of a frontal system that moved inland over South America from the Pacific a day or two prior to the time the image was taken.
Note: This caption refers to the image versions labeled "NASA's Earth Observatory web site".
The setting sun highlights cloud patterns above the Pacific Ocean, as well as the ocean surface itself in this impressive image taken by an astronaut on board the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS was located over the Andes Mountains of central Chile at the time. The view is looking towards the Pacific Ocean and the Sun setting in the west (towards image upper right). Light from the setting Sun reflects off the water surface towards the observer on the ISS and creates a mirror-like appearance--a phenomenon known as sunglint.
Bands of relatively low altitude cumulus clouds appear much like a flotilla of ships with their west-facing sides illuminated by the waning sunlight and the rest in shadow (image center). Due to the low Sun angle, they cast long and deep shadows over large swaths of the ocean surface. Given the short camera lens used, an individual cloud shadow may extend for miles. Light gray clouds at image lower left appear to be at a higher altitude. The cloud cover is likely a remnant of a frontal system that moved inland over South America from the Pacific a day or two prior to the time the image was taken.
