Satellites Streaking Across the Milky Way: A View from the ISS

It's not every day you get to witness the cosmos from the unique perspective of the International Space Station (ISS). Astronaut Don Pettit, currently on Expedition 72, has shared an absolutely stunning image that perfectly encapsulates this extraordinary view. The photograph captures the mesmerizing sight of SpaceX Starlink satellites making their way across the vast expanse of the Milky Way.

This image is particularly special as it highlights how frequently we now see satellites in orbit, and from space, the view is even more dramatic. As Pettit notes, these are "easily our most frequent satellite sightings from orbit!"

The Technical Details Behind the Shot

Capturing such a dynamic scene requires a keen eye and specialized equipment, even when you're already in orbit. Pettit utilized his homemade star tracker to compensate for the movement of the ISS and the Earth below. The image was taken using a Nikon Z9 camera with a 14mm lens set at f/1.4. A 25-second exposure at ISO 3200 allowed him to gather enough light to showcase both the faint glow of the Milky Way and the distinct streaks of the Starlink satellites.

This photograph is a testament to the dedication of astronauts like Don Pettit to sharing the wonders of space with us on Earth. It reminds us of humanity's ever-expanding presence in orbit and the incredible beauty that can be found even in the man-made trails across our night sky.

For more breathtaking photos from space, be sure to follow Don Pettit on his and accounts.