A Breathtaking View of the Amazon Basin

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Pettit showcased stunning photographs of the Amazon basin, beautifully illuminated by the light of a near-full moon. He described his experience, saying, “Somewhere over the Amazon basin, shooting photos of cities at night, I noticed the light from a near-full moon reflecting off of the meandering rainforest rivers.” His poetic descriptions of the Amazon's waterways as “flowing silver snakes” and “glowing golden claws” highlight the enchanting allure of this vital ecosystem.

The Artistry Behind the Lens

Pettit’s latest photographs were made possible by his technical mastery and high-quality equipment. For these images, he used: - **Camera**: Full-frame Nikon Z9 - **Lens**: 200mm - **Aperture**: f/2 - **Shutter Speed**: 1/320 sec - **ISO**: 25,600 After capturing these stunning moments, Pettit enhanced the visuals using Photoshop, ensuring that they were polished and ready to inspire his followers.

A Tradition of Earth Observation

While Pettit conducts essential scientific research on the ISS, he consistently takes time to marvel at Earth’s beauty from the Cupola module, which has seven windows offering magnificent views of our planet below. In addition to his recent shots of the Amazon, he has also captured a striking nighttime image of London, and an exhilarating photograph of the Polaris Dawn Crew Dragon capsule during its high-speed re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.

What Lies Ahead for Pettit?

Don Pettit’s journey in orbit is far from finished. He is slated to remain aboard the ISS until March 2025, providing ample opportunity for him to continue his breathtaking photographic journey from space. With each click of the shutter, Pettit not only pushes the boundaries of art and science but also deepens our connection to the natural world.

In Summary:

- **Astronaut Don Pettit**: NASA’s oldest active astronaut at 69. - **Current Mission**: Fourth time on the ISS. - **New Photography**: Captures moonlit reflections over the Amazon. - **Artistic Descriptions**: Waterways likened to “flowing silver snakes” and “glowing golden claws.” - **Equipment Details**: Nikon Z9 camera, 200mm lens, f/2 aperture, high ISO. - **Other Noteworthy Shots**: Includes nighttime imagery of London and the Polaris Dawn capsule's re-entry. - **Remaining Time in Space**: Until March 2025, promising more captivating visuals in the future.