Stunning Views from the International Space Station (ISS)
For over 20 years, astronauts aboard the ISS have experienced breathtaking views of Earth and space from an altitude of approximately 400 km (250 miles). Orbiting at speeds of about 28,000 km/h (17,400 mph), the ISS completes nearly 16 orbits around the Earth in a single day, allowing crews to witness glowing auroras, thunderstorms, city lights, and the delicate blue fringe of Earth’s atmosphere.
Here are some of the most incredible photographs taken from the ISS:
A Room with a View
Credit: Scott J. Kelly / NASA
Astronaut Scott Kelly captured this stunning view of the Bahamas from the ISS’s cupola on December 26, 2015, commenting it was like a “glass bottom spaceship.”
A Sprite from Space
Credit: NASA
On July 3, 2025, NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers photographed a sprite—a rare burst of light that appears above storm clouds—while flying over the U.S.
The Richat Structure
Credit: ESA/NASA
An image of the Richat Structure in Mauritania, captured by astronaut André Kuipers, which is a dome of eroded volcanic rock.
California Wildfires
Credit: NASA
The expansive scale of the 2018 California wildfires was evident from the ISS, showcasing the immense plumes of smoke rising above the devastation.
Lightning Strikes from Above
Credit: NASA
Astronaut Nichole Ayers captured stunning images of lightning illuminating the storm clouds above Milan on July 1, 2025.
Hurricane Florence
Credit: NASA
This striking image shows Hurricane Florence as it approaches the coast of North Carolina on September 13, 2018.
The Golden Glow of Sunrise
Credit: NASA
Taken on February 10, 2023, this image captures a beautiful sunrise above the Pacific Ocean.
These images reflect the unique opportunities and views that astronauts aboard the ISS experience daily. From stunning natural phenomena to powerful human-made events, the ISS has provided a unique perspective on our planet and beyond.
What are your favorite images taken from space? Feel free to share your thoughts!
