NASA Captures Stunning Earth Terminator from ISS

August 12, 2024

NASA recently shared a stunning picture of the Earth’s terminator taken from the International Space Station (ISS). This image, captured from about 267 miles above Earth, shows the beautiful line between night and day. The photo highlights a special visual effect where the sun’s light creates a glowing edge where night turns into day.

What is the Earth’s Terminator?

The Earth’s terminator is the moving line that separates day from night. This line is a result of the Earth’s rotation and how it is positioned about the Sun. The terminator moves across the Earth twice every day, marking when the sun rises and sets in most places. However, at the poles, the terminator creates long periods of daylight or darkness instead.

Role of the Earth’s Tilt

The Earth is tilted on its axis by 23.5 degrees. This tilt means that different parts of the Earth get varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, causing the seasons to change.

Impact on Seasonal Changes

During the equinoxes, which happen around March 20/21 and September 22/23, the Earth’s tilt is such that the terminator line is straight. This means that sunlight is evenly spread across the Earth, leading to mild temperatures and stable weather. In contrast, during the solstices, around June 20/21 and December 21/22, the Earth’s tilt is at its greatest angle. This causes the terminator to curve, so one-half of the Earth experiences longer days while the other half has shorter days.

Facts About Earth’s Terminator

The Earth’s terminator is the line that separates day from night, caused by the planet spinning.
It moves at about 1,670 kilometers per hour (1,040 mph) at the equator.
The line changes position because of Earth’s tilt, affecting how long days are and how sunlight is spread.
In polar regions, the terminator can create effects like the midnight sun.
Satellites often show it as a clear line.
The position of the terminator can also be changed by the scattering of light in the atmosphere.

Facts About International Space Station (ISS)

The International Space Station (ISS) orbits Earth at about 28,000 km/h.
It has been continuously occupied since November 2000.
Its solar panels are as large as a football field.
The ISS orbits Earth about 16 times each day.
It is a joint project of five space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, and CSA.
More than 240 astronauts from 19 countries have visited it.
The ISS orbits at an altitude of about 420 km.
Experiments on the ISS have led to improvements in medicine and materials science.
Building the ISS required over 30 space missions.
The ISS is expected to be decommissioned around 2024-2028.

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