A striking NASA video has been released, showcasing the progress of Hurricane Franklin as it heads toward the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. Captured from the vantage point of the International Space Station (ISS), situated 260 miles above Earth, the video provides a unique perspective of the storm’s trajectory.
The footage commences with a view directly above the hurricane’s eye, gradually zooming out to unveil the weather system set against the backdrop of the expansive blue ocean and the graceful curvature of our planet.
The official statement from NASA accompanying the video elaborates, “At 9:56 a.m. ET on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, external cameras on the ISS recorded captivating imagery of Hurricane Franklin. The space station was soaring 260 miles above, offering a clear observation of the storm. During this time, Hurricane Franklin maintained a position over the Atlantic, far out at sea, with wind speeds clocking at 130 miles per hour. The storm’s trajectory was north-northeastward over the Atlantic, as reported by the National Hurricane Center.”
In addition to Hurricane Franklin, another powerful storm named Hurricane Idalia is forecasted to make landfall in Florida early on the following day. A satellite image from NASA’s Terra satellite depicts Hurricane Idalia’s approach to the state from the southwest.
For a minimal cost, the Hurricane Tracker smartphone application is available on both iOS and Android platforms. This app offers tailored alerts for newly formed storms and when weather systems reach land, alongside other useful features. By utilizing data sourced from the National Hurricane Center, the application keeps users informed about the latest developments in storm activity.
It’s worth noting that Hurricane Franklin is not the first such phenomenon to be captured by ISS cameras. In recent years, the ISS has provided extraordinary views of various hurricanes including Ian, Genevieve, and Laura. These images provide a compelling glimpse into the immense scale of these powerful natural events.