Astronaut's view of the Canadian Rockies 

Today’s Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the northern Rocky Mountains, also known as the Canadian Rockies.

The Rockies are the largest mountain range in North America, with a length of 3,000 miles, and a width of up to nearly 400 miles. 

The photograph was captured on December 21, 2022 by an astronaut onboard the International Space Station as it orbited over western Montana.

“The Rocky Mountains extend from British Columbia, Canada, southeast toward New Mexico, in the United States,” says NASA..

“At least 100 separate ranges comprise the Rockies, and they are separated into four geologic subdivisions: the Canadian and Northern Rockies, Middle Rockies, the Southern Rockies, and the Colorado Plateau.”

“This image features the greater portion of the Canadian Rockies, which extends through northern British Columbia and southwestern Alberta. While there are approximately 50 peaks in the Canadian Rockies surpassing 3,350 meters (11,000 feet) in elevation, Mount Robson – in the center of the photo – is the highest peak at about 3,950 meters (12,970 feet) tall.”

The Canadian Rockies are famous for their stunning landscapes, featuring towering mountain peaks, forests, turquoise lakes, and diverse wildlife. 

The region is home to several national parks, including Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, and Waterton Lakes. Each park offers unique landscapes and recreational opportunities.

Located in Banff National Park, Lake Louise is a famous glacier-fed lake known for its turquoise hue and the picturesque Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise at its shores.

Moraine Lake is another stunning lake in Banff National Park. Its Valley Of The Ten Peaks backdrop and blue waters make it a photographer’s dream.

One of the most scenic drives in the world is on the Icefields Parkway, connecting Banff and Jasper National Parks. Along the parkway, visitors can view the Columbia Icefield and the Athabasca Glacier. It’s also common to see elk, bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep in the region.

Hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and horseback riding are just a few of the activities that tourists enjoy in the Canadian Rockies.

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

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By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Editor

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