Take a Look at Montana in a Way You’ve Never Seen Before
As a self-proclaimed space nerd, my fascination with the cosmos has always been fueled by dreams of living in a Star Wars-like universe. Growing up with a best friend who shared this passion and eventually worked for NASA only deepened my interest. Recently, I stumbled upon a treasure trove of images that offer a unique perspective on Montana, captured by astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The ISS, orbiting just over 250 miles above Earth, has been photographing our planet for decades. These images are stored on a website called Gateway to Astronaut Photography, which houses thousands of photos, including many of Montana. This collection provides a fresh and awe-inspiring view of the Treasure State from space.
While we focus on Montana, the website also features images of famous landmarks worldwide, such as the Eiffel Tower. The gallery below showcases some of the most stunning photos of Montana taken from 250 miles above Earth. See if you can identify the locations before reading the descriptions.
The ISS, constructed in 1998, orbits Earth every 90 minutes at a speed of 17,500 mph, completing around 15 orbits daily. This constant motion allows astronauts to capture diverse and dynamic images of our planet, including the breathtaking landscapes of Montana.
For those who can’t afford a spaceship, there’s an interesting alternative: a UFO-shaped house in Illinois. Despite its exterior resembling a beat-up spaceship, the interior offers fantastic and stunning views, proving the old saying, “Never judge a book by its cover.”
The ISS has been a hub for scientific research for over 20 years, conducting experiments that are impossible to perform on Earth. This research has led to numerous discoveries, scientific publications, and historic breakthroughs, benefiting both space exploration and life on Earth.
One of the most significant areas of research aboard the ISS is fundamental disease research. Studies on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, asthma, and heart disease have all been conducted in the microgravity environment of the space station. This unique setting allows scientists to study protein clusters and cell growth without the interference of Earth’s gravity, leading to new insights and potential treatments.
Another fascinating discovery is the phenomenon of steadily burning cool flames. In the Flame Extinguishing Experiment (FLEX), scientists observed a heptane fuel droplet that appeared to extinguish but continued to burn without a visible flame at much cooler temperatures than typical flames. This discovery could lead to the development of more efficient, less-polluting vehicles.
The ISS has also contributed to advancements in water purification systems. The Water Recovery System aboard the station purifies and recycles 93% of the water astronauts use. This technology has been adapted for use on Earth, providing clean water to at-risk areas worldwide.
Protein crystal growth experiments on the ISS have provided valuable insights into numerous diseases. For example, research on a protein associated with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) has led to a treatment currently in clinical trials. The space station’s microgravity environment allows for the growth of higher quality protein crystals, aiding in the development of new medications and treatments.
The study of bone and muscle loss in microgravity has also yielded important findings. Space studies have informed exercise routines and diet regimens that significantly reduce bone and muscle loss in astronauts. These findings are crucial for future deep space missions and have applications for people on Earth dealing with osteoporosis and other conditions.
In 2018, NASA’s Cold Atom Lab produced a fifth state of matter, called a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC), in space. This achievement allows scientists to study quantum physics in ways not possible on Earth, providing insights into fundamental laws of quantum mechanics.
Long-term stays aboard the ISS have revealed unexpected changes in the human body, such as Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), which affects vision. Research on the space station has helped scientists understand and address these challenges, preparing us for future deep space exploration.
The ISS has also played a role in stimulating the low-Earth orbit economy, growing food in microgravity, deploying CubeSats, and monitoring our planet from a unique perspective. These activities have supported the development of a vibrant commercial space economy and provided valuable data for Earth science research.
One of the most exciting aspects of the ISS is its ability to engage students in space research. From elementary to college-aged students, the space station offers opportunities to study microgravity’s effects and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
The ISS has also advanced our understanding of pulsars and black holes, identified unknown microbes in space, and opened up the field of colloid research. These achievements have far-reaching implications for both space exploration and life on Earth.
In conclusion, the photos of Montana captured by astronauts aboard the ISS offer a unique and awe-inspiring perspective on the Treasure State. These images, along with the groundbreaking research conducted on the space station, highlight the incredible potential of space exploration to benefit humanity. So, take a moment to explore these stunning photos and appreciate the beauty of Montana from 250 miles above Earth.
Source: NASA, Gateway to Astronaut Photography
