NASA astronaut Don Pettit has captured a stunning image from the International Space Station (ISS) that showcases the Milky Way, Starlink satellites, and zodiacal light in a single frame. The photo depicts the Earth tinted in a reddish-orange glow, the vast expanse of space, and a plethora of celestial phenomena. “One photo with: Milky Way, zodiacal light, satellites as streaks, stars as pinpoints, atmosphere on edge showing OH emission as burned umber, soon to rise sun, and cities at night as streaks,” Pettit described in his post.
Zodiacal light, also known as false dawn, is a faint, white glow caused by sunlight reflecting off dust particles in the solar system. Pettit took this incredible image on January 11, 2025, from the Dragon Crew-9 vehicle port window—a reusable spacecraft developed by SpaceX to transport crew and cargo to the ISS. At 69 years old, Pettit is currently NASA’s oldest-serving astronaut and the second oldest person to ever visit space.
His vast experience in space photography is evident, with one of his most well-known images, “Lightning Bugs,” taken in 2012, depicting star trails, thunderstorms, and a green atmospheric glow known as airglow.
Milky Way shines from space station
Since launching into orbit for his fourth mission in September, Pettit has consistently provided stunning visuals from the ISS.
In a recent capture on January 2, he photographed an aurora against the silhouette of the ISS, showcasing intensely green hues. Pettit’s journey in photography began in his youth with a Kodak Brownie camera, and he has continued to refine his skills over the decades. “I was already an expert in photography when I got selected as an astronaut,” he shared in a 2023 interview, illustrating his lifelong passion for photography.
Upon first glance, the image dazzles with its beauty. The more one looks into the image, the more incredible details emerge, showcasing Pettit’s skill and the unparalleled vantage point provided by space travel. This photograph may very well be the best picture ever taken from the ISS.
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