The Wikimedia Commons media of the day for February 28 is a photograph titled "Moon over the Pacific Ocean" by NASA. This image was taken on February 19, 2017, from the International Space Station (ISS). The photograph shows the moon rising over the Pacific Ocean, with the ISS in the foreground.
The moon appears to be about one-quarter full in this image, which is known as a first quarter. This occurs when the moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun, and half of the moon's illuminated surface is visible from Earth. The Pacific Ocean in the background is calm and relatively clear, with a few small clouds visible in the distance.
The ISS orbits around the Earth at an altitude of about 250 miles (400 kilometers), and it takes approximately 90 minutes to complete one full orbit. The crew on board the ISS conducts a variety of scientific experiments, collects data for researchers on the ground, and performs maintenance tasks to keep the station in good working order.
Overall, this photograph provides a unique perspective on the beauty of the moon and the Pacific Ocean, as well as the incredible view from the International Space Station.
Published 301 days ago
Published 312 days ago
Published 309 days ago
Published 295 days ago
Published 298 days ago