A Passing Spaceship Views Earth
Explanation:
This is how Earth appeared to the passing spacecraft NEAR.
The
Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) spacecraft
was launched
from Florida, USA, planet Earth in 1996.
After a quick flyby of
asteroid Mathilde in June last year, NEAR
passed the Earth
two weeks ago on its way to asteroid 433 Eros.
Visible on the
above representative-color picture
is the western part of
Earth's Southern Hemisphere.
Prominent features include the white snow-covered
Antarctica and swirling and extended
cloud systems.
Oceans appear blue and part of
South America is visible on the right.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
