Earth observations taken during STS-77 mission

STS077-707-097 (19-29 May 1996) --- This 70mm photograph shows the contrasts between the Chihuahua Desert and the irrigated bottomlands of the Rio Grande. The twin cities of Juarez, Mexico, and El Paso, Texas, on opposite sides of the border are in the center of the frame. The area was first colonized in 1598 making it one of the oldest settlements of Europeans on the North American continent. The name of El Paso derives from the Spanish ?El Paso del Norte.? The City of El Paso became a United States city in 1873. The pass allows passage through the Rocky Mountains in this region. The extension of the Rockies to the northwest of El Paso is known as the Franklin Mountains. Juarez now has over a million people and El Paso has around 400,000. The economy is driven by the maquiladora industries. Fort Bliss on the United States side is a major employer also. Fort Bliss is the wedge shaped feature in El Paso. The post was first established in 1849 for protection from the Comanches and the last horse Calvary unit was disbanded in 1943.