In December 2023, an anonymous astronaut aboard the International Space Station captured a captivating photo of the Sulaiman Mountains in Pakistan. This oblique image, taken from a side window at a 45-degree angle, presents a unique perspective not typically achievable from satellites.In December 2023, an anonymous astronaut aboard the International Space Station captured a captivating photo of the Sulaiman Mountains in Pakistan. This oblique image, taken from a side window at a 45-degree angle, presents a unique perspective not typically achievable from satellites. At the heart of the photo is a striking wall of mist trapped against the mountain ridge. The low angle offers a breathtaking view of the clouds pressed up against the peaks, creating an ethereal landscape. This phenomenon occurs due to terrain-forced flow, where moisture from the Indian Ocean is unable to pass over the mountains and is instead diverted around them. The Sulaiman Mountains, a vast range spanning over 2,500 square miles in Afghanistan and Pakistan, hold historical and geographical significance. Their name, “Sulaiman,” meaning “of Solomon,” references King Solomon of ancient Israel. The mountains form a natural barrier, separating the elevated plateaus in the west from the Indus River Valley in the east. The most prominent peak in the range is Takht-e-Sulaiman, also known as the “Throne of Solomon.” According to legend, it was from here that Solomon surveyed the ancient region of Hindustan. However, Takht-e-Sulaiman lies just outside the frame of this image. Despite the apparent aerial perspective, the photo was captured from space. The oblique angle is characteristic of images taken from the International Space Station, where astronauts have the opportunity to photograph the Earth from side windows. This unique viewpoint allows for captivating perspectives and provides insights into the intricate beauty of our planet.
QUICK FACTS
Where is it? The Sulaiman Mountains in Pakistan (31.42234772, 69.99196811)
What is in the picture? A wall of mist trapped behind a massive mountain ridge
Who took the photo? An anonymous astronaut aboard the International Space Station
When was this photo taken? December 17, 2023
This astronaut photo, taken in 2023, shows a wall of fog trapped in a mountain range in Pakistan. The low angle of the photo offers a unique perspective of the clouds pressed against the peaks.
The image shows part of the Sulaiman Mountains, which cover about 2,500 square miles (6,500 square kilometers) of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The name “Sulaiman” means “of Solomon” in Balochi — a reference to the biblical figure King Solomon, who ruled ancient Israel about 3000 years ago.
The mountains form a natural barrier at about 9,800 feet (3,000 meters) above sea level. Elevated plateaus lie to the west and the Indus River Valley lies to the east, where moisture from the Indian Ocean often collects, creating a mix of haze, mist, and clouds. The various forms of water vapor are too low to pass over the mountains and are instead forced around the peaks in a process known as terrain-forced flow, thus NASA’s Earth Observatory.
However, in a few places small clouds can still penetrate between the peaks. One of these places, located in the center of the image, is just above a small Pakistani town called Dhana Sar, where a gorge cuts through the mountains.
Related: 12 Amazing Images of Earth from Space
This 19th century sketch shows members of the Lohani tribe setting up camp at the foot of the Sulaiman Mountains’ most famous peak, Takht-e-Sulaiman. (Image credit: Godfrey Thomas Vigne/Wikimedia)
The Sulaiman Mountains are an extension of the southern Hindu Kush mountain range, which formed about 60 million years ago from a “slow collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates,” according to NASA’s Earth Observatory.
The most famous mountain peak is Takht-e-Sulaimanalso known as the “Throne of Solomon”, which its namesake is said to have climbed to look out over Hindustan – the ancient term used to describe the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent, according to the writings of the 14th century explorer Ibn BattutaThis mountain, which is 3,487 meters high, is located just out of frame (left in the image), about 32 kilometers north of Dhana Sar.
Despite being taken from space, the photo appears to be taken from the air because it is “oblique,” meaning it was taken from the side at about a 45-degree angle. This effect can only be achieved from the International Space Station, since astronauts can take photos out of the station’s side windows. Most satellites, on the other hand, are limited to the traditional straight-down or “nadir” perspective.
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