Don Pettit Captures the Milky Way from the International Space Station

Floating 250 miles above the planet, astronaut Don Pettit has captured a rare intersection of human civilization and deep space. The photograph reveals the Milky Way stretching across the night sky, set against a backdrop of illuminated city grids that mirror the density of the stars above.

Editorial·July 12, 2026·reads: 799

Don Pettit Captures the Milky Way from the International Space Station

Pettit, currently serving on ISS Expedition 72, utilized a Nikon Z9 camera paired with a 14mm f/1.4 lens to secure the shot. To compensate for the orbital velocity of the station, he employed a custom-built sidereal tracker, a device essential for maintaining long-exposure clarity while traveling at 17,500 miles per hour. The resulting image highlights the stark contrast between the warm, amber glow of terrestrial infrastructure and the cold, expansive brilliance of the galaxy.

Since its release, the image has resonated with audiences for its dual perspective on scale. Social media users have described the view as a "cosmic puddle of light," underscoring the visual dialogue between the planet's artificial illumination and the celestial backdrop. Pettit’s work serves as a reminder of the station’s unique vantage point, providing a rare look at how human activity appears from the threshold of space.