Snaking Along Canyon Cliffs in Haifa, Israel

In geography training, astronauts are taught to concentrate on the shapes of coastlines because they are a first-order visual cue when circling the planet—and often uniquely shaped. The nose of Cape Carmel and the bay that protects the Port of Haifa are shapes that can tell crews where they are. In the daylight image of the port city of Haifa on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, the strong visual line of the coast contrasts with the subtle city colors. The night image shows different city neighborhoods in a way that is difficult to see during the day. The brilliant port lights contrast with somewhat dimmer residential areas. Straight roads of the older residential neighborhoods are easily distinguished from the winding roads that follow the canyon cliffs. The industrial district just east of the port has areas of green and blue lights and a less-dense street pattern. Surrounding farmlands are so dark that they can be confused with the sea.

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