From their vantage point aboard the International Space Station, an astronaut captured a stunning image of eastern Canada.
The photo was taken near the northernmost edge of the station's orbit, which reaches a peak of approximately 52 degrees north of the equator. The perspective offers a unique view of the station's solar panels in the foreground, while Earth's horizon sits about 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) in the distance.
Shimmering lights, snow-covered landscapes, and wispy clouds paint a picturesque winter scene.
The photo showcases two Canadian provinces, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the territory of Nunavut, located on the other side of the Hudson Strait. In the distance, the coast of Greenland can be faintly seen peeking out from beneath the clouds. Higher up in the atmosphere, a faint green glow known as airglow drapes along the curvature of the Earth, while the vibrant hues of the aurora dance across the scene.
As the photo gazes towards Earth's limb, thin layers of clouds blanket the Atlantic Ocean, while clearer skies dominate the land. The snow-covered terrain reveals the lights of small settlements and winding rivers that flow towards Canada's coast. Nestled within the frozen landscape is Mistastin Lake, which fills a crater caused by an impact event. This crater serves as a training site for astronauts to hone their geological skills and perfect techniques for future planetary exploration.