If you got the chance to spend a year in space, would you go on Facebook every day? If that sounds like a frivolous pastime in the face of our universe’s majesty, think about it this way: social media sites like Facebook would allow you to share that beauty with thousands of people. It would give viewers the chance to be a part of something much larger than themselves.
That’s what astronaut Scott Kelly is doing over the course of his year-long space adventure. When he’s not doing his other astronaut duties, the commander captures breathtaking views of our little planet. From these heights, Earth’s geography becomes a series of stunningly abstract compositions.
You can’t help but be in awe of our planet’s beauty and diversity.
Along with the photos, Kelly provides some commentary to let his followers know where he is, and to give some insight into what it’s like to fly through space for such a long time. It also gives him a way to keep in touch with people on Earth, which is important when you’re floating so far above it.
“Earth’s gone green today! Good morning from the International Space Station, where every day is Earth Day!”
Taken April 22, 2015.
“I’ve never heard of Moa, Cuba, but it’s a very colorful place.”
“Hopefully, this is pollen or algae and not something man-made.”
This striking patchwork landscape was seen on a beach in Mexico.
They’re most likely mineral evaporation ponds.
His fans also have a good time in the comments section trying to figure out what they’re looking at!
“Its Greek name is Red Sea, and in Egypt, it’s Green Space, but to me, it looks very blue.”
“Since we don’t have much green up here, the green of this desert is even more appealing.”
“Looks like Earth replicated Michelangelo’s famous fresco.”
(Or maybe it’s the other way around.)
“Grainy, veiny, but mainly amazing.”
“Earth rocks! Let’s protect it.”
“Great Lakes. You are a great masterpiece.”
“This butterfly caught my eye while flying high above the Gulf of Mexico.”
(via My Modern Met)
Launched in the spring of 2015, Kelly has just recently passed the halfway point of his year-long journey, which means six more months of amazing images for us! You can see more photos of Earth, as well as some incredible images of space, on Kelly’s Facebook page.
