
ISS006-E-21378 (18 January 2003) --- A portion of the Canadarm2, or Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS), was photographed by one of the Expedition 6 crewmembers onboard the International Space Station (ISS). Just above Canadarm2’s elbow are the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters. These seven stars, arranged like a little dipper, are just the brightest members of a cluster of more than 3000 stars lying 400 light years from Earth. Between the robotic arm and the Pleiades is Earth itself. Below, the cloudy landscape is lit by a nearly-full Moon (out of frame). Above, the edge of Earth’s atmosphere is defined by a layer of glowing air—a brownish-yellow band of light stretching all the way across the image. And finally, just under Canadarm’s elbow, is a streak of green—the Aurora Borealis, also known as “northern lights”.
Most NASA images are in the public domain and free to use. Credit NASA as the source. Check NASA's media usage guidelines for details. Images featuring identifiable individuals may require additional permissions.
NASA ID
iss006e21378
Date Created
January 18, 2003
Center
JSC
Media Type
image
Download this image in multiple resolutions. All NASA media are free for public use.
Large
1920px