Out of this world: Photos of Grand Canyon taken by astronauts show natural wonder is just as awe-inspiring when seen from space
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Standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon is always a breath-taking experience but a new photo taken from the International Space Station shows that it is just as awe-inspiring from space.
The latest image, which show the full expanse of the Grand Canyon as it cuts through the Kaibab Plateau, was taken by the Expedition 39 crew on March 25, as they orbited Earth.
The photo shows the Colorado river, marked as a dark line snaking its way through the canyon's floor, as well as the forested areas along the north and south sides, which make up one of several vital eco-systems in the park.
Awe-inspiring: The jagged path of the Grand Canyon can be seen in this image taken by a crew on board the International Space Station
Jagged ridges rising above the surrounding arid landscapes also clearly mark out the 277-mile canyon, which was formed about 6 million years ago due to a combination of tectonic uplift and the Colorado river changing its course.
Just as the Grand Canyon, with its 1.6km drop through sandstone and limestone, is a popular tourist attraction, bringing in up to 5 million visitors a year, it is also a popular landmark with Nasa's astronauts, who enjoying photographing it from the space station.
The six-man Expedition 39 crew are part of a mission that provides photos of Earth to help scientists and geologists with their research, as well as amazing the general public.
Their photos, which show rock formations, wild storms and erupting volcanoes, can be viewed on the Earth Observatory website.
Revealing: Astronauts regularly take pictures of the Grand Canyon to help scientists and geologists with their research
Artistic: In some of Nasa's images, such as this one, the ridges of the canyon look like the arteries of a heart
Out of this world: The Earth's atmosphere can be seen alongside the canyon in this image of the natural wonder
Grounded: Even when viewed from Earth, the colors and shapes of the Grand Canyon are amazing to look at
Sightseeing: The Colorado river can clearly be seen in this image taken by Italian astronaut Paolo Nespoli in 2010
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