Science

Photos: What the International Space Station has shown us

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Russia launched the first component for the International Space Station 20 years ago today (Nov. 20). That Zarya module was joined in orbit a few weeks later by the first US-built module, Unity.

The ISS has provided an oasis of international cooperation and exploration about 250 miles above the Earth. With astronauts spending months at a time in the ISS, the experience provides plenty of time to see the world in a way few can.

Here’s a look back at the breathtaking and varied sights the ISS has allowed us to take in.

NASA

Mount Kilimanjaro, photographed from the the International Space Station in 2018.

NASA

Mount Fuji seen in 2009.

NASA

Mount Hood in Oregon, in 2009.

NASA

Dunes around the Aorounga crater in Chad, seen in 2013.

NASA

The Namib Desert.

NASA

Montreal, seen in 2010.

NASA

Dubai in 2014.

NASA

London in 2015.

NASA

Mount Etna erupting in 2001.

NASA

The Pavlof volcano in Alaska, seen in 2013.

NASA/Donald “Stu” Broce

The 2017 Thomas Fire outside of Los Angeles.

NASA

The Black Sea, seen in 2013.

NASA

Nukuoro Atoll, part of the Federated States of Micronesia.

NASA

Aurora Borealis seen in the distance while the ISS orbits over the midwestern US in 2011.

NASA

Aurora Australis in 2014.

NASA/Scott Kellly

Aurora Borealis, seen in 2015.