Over the western edge of the Sahara desert at center Mauritania in north-west Africa there is a giant quartzite circle called Richat Structure. It is approximately 24 miles across. This volcanic bulge that never erupted and was levelled by erosion makes for interesting Earth Art. Posted 3 FebScott Kelly
On 1 March, Nasa astronaut Scott Kelly will leave the International Space Station and return to Earth. He and his Russian counterpart Mikhail Kornienko spent almost a year in space, launching on 27 March 2015.
This is not Kelly's first trip in space. As a Nasa veteran, he had already been there three times, however this is the longest time he has stayed away from Earth. When he comes home, he will have spent 340 consecutive days in space, a US record.
The goal of Kelly's mission was to test how the human body copes with prolonged space travel, in order to prepare for future missions to Mars. A trip to the red planet could last between two and three years, and up to now, the impact on the health of astronauts is not very well understood.
Yet Kelly's time in space was not just about work. The astronaut spent a lot of time exchanging with space lovers on social media, and he became known for his talent as a photographer, sharing breathtaking pictures of the earth as seen from the space station, on Twitter and Instagram. During his year in space, he was able to witness, from a different point of view, natural events such as Hurricane Patricia or tropical storm Ashobaa. He captured them on camera with incredible results.
Here are some of Kelly's best Instagram and Twitter pictures from his time aboard the ISS.
A view of the Himalaya mountains taken on 24 February.Scott KellyLarge view of the Earth from the ISS on 18 Feb.Scott KellyColourful and artistic view of the African continent, taken on 22 Feb.Scott KellyHeavenly view of the Bahamas. Taken on 15 Feb.Scott KellyA sunset as seen from space station, taken on 14 January.Scott KellyA view of an urban area in South Asia, full of lights. Taken on 7 December 2015.Scott KellyA sunrise full of stars, taken on 11 November 2015.Scott KellyKelly working outside the space station, after a space walk. Taken on 10 November 2015.Scott KellyDevastating Hurricane Patricia approaching Mexico, taken on 23 October 2015.Scott KellyThis time, it is Hurricane Joaquin, staying over the Bahamas. Taken on 2 October.Scott KellyOn day 171, halfway through his mission, Kelly shares this beautiful view of space. Taken on 15 September 2015.Scott KellyTropical storm Ashobaa taken on 31 October 2015.Scott KellyA nice urban view from San Francisco, taken on 5 September 2015Scott KellyA salt lake in Australia's arid centreScott Kelly/NasaAn outback lake in Australia.Scott Kelly/NasaLake Gairdner in South Australia.Scott Kelly/Nasa
