NASA reveals the best scientific images of the International Space Station for the year 2024
The International Space Station (ISS) once again became a window to the universe and a center for groundbreaking research this year.
NASA’s latest collection of the best science images of 2024 offers a fascinating glimpse into the work being done on the International Space Station as it soars 250 miles at 17,500 miles per hour.
From stunning shots of Earth to the nitty-gritty of experimenting in space, these images recap a year of innovation, exploration and collaboration aboard the Earth-orbiting human laboratory.
Astronauts prepare for a solar eclipse
NASA
It seems that solar eclipses are not just huge events at ground level. Here, astronauts from Expedition 71 wear eye protection glasses in preparation for the solar eclipse on March 26, 2024.
They were able to watch the eclipse through the windows in the dome of the space station.
In all, Expedition 71 captured 630,000 images from its time in space, the most images ever taken on a single mission.
The International Space Station over Lake Michigan

NASA
This long-exposure shot was taken by astronaut Don Pettit during the space station’s flyby over Lake Michigan. It shows city lights streaming across the ground and dazzling green and red aurora borealis in the atmosphere.
It’s been an impressive year for the aurora borealis, with the Sun reaching its most active point during its 11-year cycle. When the Sun is particularly active, it ejects more charged particles than usual, which in turn interact with our atmosphere to form the aurora.
According to NASAAstronauts on the International Space Station monitor urban lighting from space to study population density and the expansion of cities.
Free-flying robotic camera

Satoshi Furukawa/JAXA
This little thing is a project of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Filmed in the Kibo Laboratory module, the robot is called the JEM 2 Indoor Ball Camera.
It is designed to maneuver autonomously around the space station, taking photos and videos as it travels.
Having an automated camera on board can free up time for the crew to do other activities, such as conducting further research, NASA said.
Lysozyme crystals grow in space

Redwire
These small red crystals are what are known as lysozymes, which are proteins found in body fluids such as tears and saliva that support immune function.
It was grown in space but is pictured here after its safe return to Earth.
Scientists are studying the effect of microgravity in space on how crystals are produced, which could have applications in the pharmaceutical industry in the coming years.
Tomato plants grow in space

NASA
This photo of NASA astronaut Yasmine Moghbeli was taken next to the Advanced Plant Habitat on the International Space Station.
Here, the team grows tomato plants to see how spaceflight and microgravity affect the plants’ immune systems and production.
Growing food in orbit is a crucial step towards long-distance space travel.
“Comet of the Century” from the space station

NASA
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tuchinshan-ATLAS) graced our skies this year before disappearing into space for another 80,000 years.
This image of the visitor from outer space, which some have called the “comet of the century,” was taken from the International Space Station as it orbited 250 miles above the South Atlantic Ocean.
Unobstructed by Earth’s atmosphere, the comet’s view in this image is incredibly clear.
According to NASAScientists can use sharp images like these to learn more about comets.
Colorful bubble of water

NASA
It may look a bit like a planet, but this is actually evidence of microgravity in action on the International Space Station.
To create this image, NASA astronaut Don Pettit added food coloring to a bubble of water while it was suspended in midair.
The force of gravity is actually very similar to the force of Earth on the International Space Station. Instead, microgravity effects are created when the space station is constantly falling, losing ground each time.
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