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Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

See Explanation. Clicking on the picture will download the highest resolution version available.

The International Space Station from Orbit

Explanation: The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest human-made object ever to orbit the Earth . Late last month and earlier this month, the station was visited and resupplied by space shuttle Discovery . The ISS is currently operated by the Expedition 11 crew , consisting a Russian and an American astronaut. After departing the ISS, the crew of Discovery captured this spectacular vista of the orbiting space city . Visible components include modules , truss es, and expansive solar arrays that gather sunlight that is turned into needed electricity .

Date August 16, 2005
Credit Credit: STS-114 Crew , NASA
Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC,
NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.