Patagonia Composite
On April 2, 2014, the ISS flew over the Patagonia region of Argentina and Chile (see map right, rotated to align with images).
Astronauts (probably Steve Swanson or Rick Mastracchio) took a remarkable series of 35 photos, which we assembled into the composite shown at left.
The Northern Patagonia Icefield is the large white area in the center, surrounded by dozens of glaciers.
Scientists use these photos to monitor climate change, which is causing these glaciers to retreat at an accelerating pace. You can explore the composite or the individual images in full detail below.
With Kickstarter funds, Windows on Earth will establish a "Citizen Science" program for students and the public to help scientists select and measure similar photos taken over the past 50 years, to track these changes.
For more info on Patagonia Glaciers:
