Fire on Earth
Credit & Copyright: (AFS,
BLM)
Explanation:
Sometimes, regions of planet Earth light up with fire.
Since
fire is the rapid acquisition of oxygen, and since
oxygen
is a key indicator of life,
fire
on any planet would be an
indicator
of life on that planet.
Most of the Earth's land has been
scorched by fire at some time in the past.
Although causing many a tragedy,
for many places on Earth
fire is considered part of a
natural ecosystem cycle.
Large
forest fires on Earth are usually caused by
lightning and can be
visible from orbit.
Above, in the year 2000, stunned
elk avoid a
fire sweeping through
Montana's
Bitterroot Valley
by standing in a river.
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.
