Dimensions
257 x 303 x 15mm
This stunning, one-of-a-kind collection of photographs by NASA astronauts showcases the startling beauty - and saddening devastation - of Earth from a perspective few will ever experience.
On his historic 1962 orbital flight, John Glenn made a request to carry a camera. From that moment forward photography became a vital duty for all astronauts. In this astonishing book, National Geographic gathers the most spectacular images from 41 years of orbital photography - many never before seen - to reveal an astronaut's view of home.
Each photograph featured in 'Orbit' was taken by a NASA astronaut with a hand-held camera and features detail that far exceeds the electronic images sent from satellites. These photographs capture the most magnificent sights on earth: Mount Everest casting its shadow over lesser peaks, the sands of the Sahara arrayed in endless patterns, the eerily atmospheric aurora australis. And they document the effects of human negligence on the Earth: pollution, scarred forests, and topsoil washing into the sea.
As Americans contemplate the US space program in the wake of recent tragedy, 'Orbit' is an excellent reminder of the magnificent achievements of space travel.
Detailed maps, ground-based photographs, and informative captions give further depth to this definitive and remarkable history of how our Earth has changed since we first ventured into space.
