Dozens of orbiting satellites provide data that allows us to better understand the Earth's complex ecosystems. In this presentation, geographer Andrew Johnston of the Museum's Center for Earth and Planetary Studies explains how data from these satellites are combined to form a global view of our dynamic planet.
The Ask An Expert lecture series at the National Mall building is presented every Wednesday at noon. A Museum staff member talks to the public about the history, collection, or personalities related to a specific artifact or exhibition in the Museum.
Photograph of Earth taken by Apollo 17 astronauts on 12/07/1972. NASA Caption: View of the Earth as seen by the Apollo 17 crew traveling toward the Moon. This translunar coast photograph extends from the Mediterranean Sea area to the Antarctica South polar ice cap. This is the first time the Apollo trajectory made it possible to photograph the South polar ice cap. Note the heavy cloud cover in the Southern Hemisphere. Almost the entire coastline of Africa is clearly visible. The Arabian Peninsula can be seen at the Northeastern edge of Africa. The large island off the coast of Africa is the Malagasy Republic. The Asian mainland is on the horizon toward the Northeast.