The Orbital Perspective of Nicholas Kristof
April 27, 2012
Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Nicholas Kristof was in in the thick of things during the chaotic days of August 2011 that resulted in the Fall of Tripoli. He stood in Libya’s capital city reporting on events as they unfolded.
Nick Kristof in Tripoli, Libya August 23, 2011
At the same time, and on the same day, I floated in the cupola of the International Space Station, photographing northern Africa, and the Port of Tripoli.
Tripoli, Libya from the International Space Station August 23, 2011
It wasn’t until the day before I returned to Earth in September that I became aware of the link between the pictures.
In space, we feel both less connected and more connected to our home planet. We’re less connected because we are physically removed, and cannot experience so many things that define life on Earth. We feel more connected because we can see the broad canvas of life on Earth from 250 miles above. Helping to connect us to each other on Earth are journalists like Nick Kristof, Marie Colvin, Rémi Ochlik and others who, at serious risk and personal sacrifice, tell the stories that need to be told. Their compassion and their talent compel the global community to action to right wrongs in response to crisis. And, their commentary inspires us not to accept the status quo, and to go out and change the world for the better.
I took this picture on September 14, 2011 as we passed over Northern Africa. Happy Birthday Nick Kristof!
Other posts by this author
- To Be Continued ...
- One Young World Summit - The Key Is We
- Moonshot
- Why Should We Spend Money on Space Exploration When We Have So Many Problems Here on Earth?
- Guardians of Earth
- Do 1 Thing Day - July 20, 2012
- An Invitation to Participate in the International Space Apps Challenge
- LAUNCHing Ideas for a Waste-less Tomorrow
- We Get to Carry Each Other
April 27, 2012
Peter C.
There is quite a number of photos from space that look peaceful from above but actually dreadful things are going on below. During expedition 30, which has ended today, scenic night shots of the Middle East (Holy Land included) have been taken that also show Damascus which has been always permanently in the news for shooting at civilians, armored tanks cruising in the streets, etc.
April 28, 2012
1so t.
As beautiful as the Earth is from the orbital perspective, there's a bit of an eerie and lonely feeling as well. Until "space tourism" and space travel become "the norm" the views provided by astronauts are from extremely rare.
I wonder what it must feel like to be in such a small, isolated and advanced machine knowing that just below you at any given moment are war and poverty. As an astronaut you are living on the frontier of humankind, yet as you fly over Africa you know there are wandering tribes below you who live in makeshift tents in the middle of the desert. In South America the indigenous people of the rainforest are warding off spirits from someone who has the flu. Or in first world countries like the US where there are political battles over the personal rights of women.
The contrast of what we as humans create, experience, and even destroy is astounding and the culture spectrum is broad. I'm personally thankful for the work that Ron has initiated and done. The term Fragile Oasis is more accurate than many people may realize but hopefully we as humans never stop trying to improve or working towards a safer, healthier, and happier home.
May 10, 2012
mike j.
awesome