When it was attached to the International Space Station in February, it was meant to serve as a control deck for robots working in space outside of the ISS.  However, the domed Cupola observation deck attached to the underbelly of the space station has proven to be just as popular for astronauts off the clock as it is with robotics engineers who are on the clock.  The Cupola just so happens to have the best view of Earth from the space station, and as such it’s become a hang-out for astronauts who have been capturing incredible views of Earth from space, as in this picture of the boot of Italy all lit up for the passing camera.

Smile, you’re on Subspace Camera!

One of the reasons why the Cupola has the best views of our fair planet is because of its location.  Thanks to its orbit, it faces Earth throughout the day.  Still, facing Earth is one thing, but having a view is another.  The Cupola, built by Thales Alenia Space (TAS) in Turin, Italy, also has the largest window ever sent into space, an 80 centimeter (30 inch) wide circular pane of glass located at the apex of the Cupola’s dome.

Tags: ISS, International Space Station, views from space, Cupola observation deck, Italy lights up, Italy as seen from space, Italy lights up for ISS pictures, picture taken from space station, earth as seen from orbit, awesome pictures, beautiful pictures, Italy seen from space, space station photographs, Thales Alenia Space, TAS

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