Chilling satellite images that show the impact of war from space
The article showcases how the destruction caused by wars and conflicts remains visible from space, captured by astronauts and orbiting satellites. It highlights examples such as the smoke plume from the 9/11 attacks, explosions over the Gaza Strip and Israel, and the extensive damage to cultural heritage sites in Ukraine. Astronauts' personal reflections on these images underscore the profound impact of human conflict.
Why it matters
This unique perspective from space offers a powerful and enduring visual testament to the widespread and long-lasting devastation of war, serving as a stark reminder of its global consequences. It also emphasizes the role of space technology in monitoring and documenting human impact on Earth.
Even long after a war is over, sometimes the evidence and destruction it caused can still be seen from space. Over the years, our planet has seen many wars and conflicts, and astronauts aboard the International Space Station , as well as satellites orbiting Earth, have managed to capture some of their impact on the ground below.
Here’s a look at some of the images that show the destruction left behind by war.
NASA astronaut and ISS commander Frank Culbertson clicked this image when he was passing over New York City shortly after getting the news of the attack. In this image, you can see the thick smoke blowing away from the surface.
And if you look closely, you will also notice an 'odd boom', which shows that this image was taken "around the time of, or shortly after, the collapse of the second tower," Culbertson said .
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