Tuesday, March 20, 2007

A Blue Moon from Space


Credit: Expedition 13 Crew, International Space Station, NASA
Explanation: What's happening to the Moon? Drifting around the Earth in 2006 July, astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) captured a crescent Moon floating far beyond the horizon. The captured above image is interesting because part of the Moon appears blue, and because part of the moon appears missing. Both effects are created by the Earth's atmosphere. Air molecules more efficiently scatter increasingly blue light, making the clear day sky blue for ground observers, and the horizon blue for astronauts. Besides reflecting sunlight, these atmospheric molecules also deflect moonlight, making the lower part of the moon appear to fade away. As one looks higher in the photograph, the increasingly thin atmosphere appears to fade to black.

5 comments:

Brooke said...

Another beautiful desktop! Thanks!

The Merry Widow said...

These space shots are so awsome, it reminds us that we are pretty small potatoes in the universe! Just so much beauty!
Good morning, G*D bless and Maranatha!

tmw

American Crusader said...

Great picture. I hope all those fortunate enough to participate aboard the ISS appreciate how lucky they are. Of course hard work and brains helped.

Eyes said...

Hi Brooke, tmw, and ac,,, Yes it is gorgeous!!! even though it's a crescent moon and not a full one..

The Merry Widow said...

Subtle and understated, the ultimate in elegant!
Good morning, G*D bless and Maranatha!

tmw