The image shows small cays in the Bahamas. Photo / NASA
The image shows small cays in the Bahamas. Photo / NASA
An astronaut aboard the International Space Station has captured an image of a single aircraft flying just above the Great Exuma Island in the Bahamas - from 400km above earth.
Capturing the plane on camera was a bonus for the astronaut who, according to NASA, wanted to capturethe small island cays in the Bahamas and the prominent tidal channels cutting between them.
For astronauts, this is one of the most recognisable points in the planet.
The image shows a plane flying over Great Exuma Island. Photo / NASA
The string of cays shown in the photos stretches 14.24km and extends west from Great Exuma Island. Exuma is known for being remote from the bigger islands of the Bahamas and it rich with privately owned cays with real pirate history.
The astronauts ability to control a long lens in weightlessness means the photo is detailed enough to show the plane's twin condensation trails.
Small tidal changes on the banks cause great quantities of water to flow daily through the narrow channels between the cays, first in one direction and then in the other.
The darker blue sections are the deepest parts, while the shallower water (less than 25 metres) appears light blue.
The photograph is detailed enough to show a single aircraft and its twin condensation trails. Photo / NASA
The image was captured using a Nikon D4 camera using an 1150 millimetre lens.
