ALT (28 July 2014) --- Flying 225 nautical miles above the Hawaiian Ridge in the North Pacific Ocean, one of the Expedition 40 crew members on the International Space Station photographed this oblique panorama showing many of the islands in the Hawaiian chain, some of them highlighted by sun glint. Hawaii or the "Big Island" is largely covered by clouds at right center. Maui, Kahoolawe, Lanai and Molokai are more easily spotted because of the sun glint near frame center. Oahu is almost totally hidden by clouds at bottom center, and Niihau and Kauai are out of the frame. Part of one of the orbital outpost's solar panels is obvious at top center.

ALT (08/30/2014) -- Cancún, Mexico. A long lens was used by astronauts aboard the International Space Station to take this image, and it highlights many natural and built features. The street pattern of Mexico’s tourist mecca, Cancún, contrasts with the waterways of the marinas that open into the bay and the lagoons. Brilliant blue water over coral reefs contrast with the dark waters of inland lagoons. The reefs are the second largest reef system on Earth, and draw tourists from all over the world. The wide, well developed beach on the gulf coast (image upper right) is the result of vigorous wave energy; the white sand makes the beach easily visible from space. But wave energy is reduced along Cancún’s protected shoreline (image center) and the beaches are thin or non-existant. Fair-weather cumulus clouds are scattered across the image top left.

ALT (April 23, 2019) -- This view of the eastern coast of the United States looks from (bottom left to right center) Virginia Beach, Virginia, all the way to Miami, Florida. The International Space Station was orbiting 256 miles above North America about to cross the Atlantic Ocean when an Expedition 59 crew member took this photograph.

ALT (July 24, 2024) -- The clear blue waters surrounding The Bahamas in the Atlantic Ocean are pictured from the International Space Station as it soared 258 miles above.