How does river Ganga look from space? NASA releases stunning picture from ISS that will leave you dazzled

NASA astronaut Don Pettit has shared a beautiful near-infrared photo of the Ganges River delta, captured from the International Space Station (ISS) during his Expedition 73 mission. He posted the image on social media, giving a rare and striking look at the world’s largest river delta. The photo clearly shows the vast, fertile lands of the delta, which spread across parts of eastern India and Bangladesh.

The Ganges – Brahmaputra Delta, also called the Bengal Delta or Sundarbans Delta, spreads over more than 100,000 square kilometres and flows into the Bay of Bengal.

This area is home to millions of people, providing rich farmland and supporting a variety of plants and animals. It also contains the famous Sundarbans mangrove forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is known for its winding rivers, tidal changes, and seasonal floods.

Don Pettit used near-infrared photography to capture the Ganges River delta in a way that makes its green landscapes and winding rivers stand out with striking detail.

Sharing the image online, Pettit wrote, “Ganges river delta, over India and Bangladesh, photographed in near-infrared from the ISS. It is the largest river delta on Earth.” The technique not only creates a visually stunning picture but also helps scientists track plant health, water flow, and changes in the land—crucial for studying one of Asia’s most important ecosystems.

The post quickly received praise on social media and science platforms, with many people admiring both the skill and beauty behind the image. Pettit, well-known for his stunning space photography, often shares his work to encourage people to appreciate Earth’s landscapes and care for the environment.

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