* * *On September 22, 2010, with the departure of the Expedition 23 crew, Colonel Douglas H. Wheelock assumed command of the International Space Station and the Expedition 25 crew. He is also known as @Astro_Wheels on twitter, where he has been tweeting space photos to his followers since he arrived at the space station.
* We thought that we should put some of the space photos together as a tribute to him and the whole ISS crew. The space photos bring breathtaking views from our only off planet Vista point. The following space photos are all visible on Astro_Wheels' twitpic account, and we are eternally grateful to him for sharing these space photos with the world. Many have commented directly to him but we want to make it clear Triggerpit does not have any affiliation with Astronaut Wheelock nor NASA. The confusion might have been since all the captions are all his own words as can also be seen on his twitpic account.[*28 Pictures*] [image: http://triggerpit.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/discovery-before-launch.jpg] <http://triggerpit.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/discovery-before-launch.jpg> 1<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo1> *Go Discovery! *It was October 23, 2007 at 11:40am EST when I had my first ride to space on Discovery. She's beautiful... just sad that this will be her last voyage. Looking forward to climbing aboard the flight deck when Discovery arrives at the Space Station in November. (9-23-2010). Space Photo: Larry Tanner, NASA. Special thanks: Bethbeck's blog [image: 5197443986 d131538678 b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 2<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo2> *Space photo: 'Earthshine'... *The Space Station basking in blue Earthshine as the rising sun pierces our razor-thin atmosphere to cover the Space Station with blue light. I’ll never forget this place…seeing this makes the heart soar and the soul sing (11-7-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: jsc2010e132513 Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NASA astrona] 3<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo3> *NASA astronaut Douglas H. Wheelock *(NASA). Space Photo: NASA [image: 5196843603 822b7e3493 b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 4<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo4> *Space photo: Isle Juan de Nova *In the Mozambique Channel between Madagascar and the African mainland. The beautiful colors rival the amazing places in the Caribbea (11-15-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5196972891 ff78a23ff2 b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 5<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo5> *Space photo: Aurora Borealis *In the distance on this beautiful night over Europe. The Strait of Dover is pretty clear as is Paris, the City of Lights. A little fog over the western part of England and London. It is incredible to see the lights of the cities and small towns against the backdrop of deep space. I am going to miss this view of our wonderful world... (11-8-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5196845631 49cc500592 b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 6<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo6> *Space Photo: Moon from the ISS *Fly me to the Moon…let me dance among the Stars…” I hope we never lose our sense of wonder. A passion for exploration and discovery is a noble legacy to leave to our children. I hope we set our sails and venture out one day. That will be one glorious day… (8-22-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5196845579 967cfeca08 b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 7<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo7> *Space Photo: Progress-37 over Bahamas *Of all the places on our glorious planet, few rival the brilliant colors of The Bahamas. Here is a view of our Progress-37 re-supply spacecraft, with the islands of The Bahamas as a backdrop. What a wonderful world (8-22-2010)! Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5196845503 c1d6f4c2c6 b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 8<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo8> *Space Photo: Astronaut working on the outside of ISS *Traveling at 17,500 miles per hour (5 miles per second)…we orbit the Earth every 90 minutes, with a sunrise or sunset every 45 minutes. So half of our space walk is in complete darkness. The helmet lights are essential at the work sight. Here I am getting the bail drive lever ready for my arch nemesis…the ‘M3 Ammonia Connector’. The dance begins (8-14-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5196845451 734cd52165 b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 9<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo9> *Space Photo: ISS solar panel with Earth in the background *Every moment I get to look out the window at our beautiful planet, my soul just sings!!...”I see skies of blue…and clouds of white…the bright blessed day…” (6-29-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5197445636 ee1ba96c09 b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 10<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo10> *Space Photo: Daybreak *Another breathtaking sunset…we get 16 of these each day in Earth orbit, each one a treasured moment. That beautiful thin blue line is what makes our home so special in the cosmos. Space is cool…but, the Earth is a raging explosion of life in a vast sea of darkness (6-21-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5196845273 2f7caed03f b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 11<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo11> *Space Photo: Atoll in South Pacific *Beautiful atoll in the South Pacific through a 400mm lens. About 1200 miles south of Honolulu . In the ‘Line Islands’ along ‘Christmas Ridge’, either ‘Teraina’ or ‘Tabuaeran’? (11-15-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5196845171 208849e58c b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 12<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo12> *Space Photo: Cyprus *Beautiful reflection of sunlight on the eastern Mediterranean Sea. No borders or conflict visible from space…just breath-taking beauty like this view of the island of Cyprus (6-21-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5197445442 b69a8d5da6 b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 13<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo13> *Space Photo: Hurricane Earl *Out over the central Atlantic, just before another spectacular sunset, with the spiral bands of Hurricane Earl visible in the setting sun. An interesting view of the life-giving energy of our sun. The solar arrays on the port side of the Space Station as well as Hurricane Earl…both gathering the last bit of energy before they fall into eclipse (8-30-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5197445118 a39a784db2 b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 14<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo14> *Space Photo: Ayers Rock *Just a little further to the east, we spotted sacred and majestic 'Uluru'. You may recognize it by its more popular name of 'Ayers Rock'. I have never had the opportunity to visit Australia, but one glorious day, I hope to be standing amazed beside this natural wonder. Can't wait to read your thoughts of 'Uluru' (10-26-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5197445020 06a28630bf b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 15<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo15> *Space Photo: Mountain in the Andes in South America *Morning breaking over the majestic Andes in South America . I really am not sure of the name of this mountain…just was in awe of its majesty, reaching into the windswept heights and the rising sun. Another day... another chance to stand tall and be counted (10-30-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5197444836 82e29c6c2d b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 16<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo16> *Space Photo: The Nile and Egypt by day *Over the Sahara Desert approaching ancient lands and thousands of years of history. The Nile River flowing through Egypt past the pyramids of Giza up to Cairo in the delta; the Red Sea, Sinai Peninsula, Dead Sea; Jordan River; and the Sea of Galilee are visible, as are the island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea and Greece coming over the horizon (9-6-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5197444958 2c91b9ee4c b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 17<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo17> *Space Photo: The Nile and Egypt by night *A night view of the Nile River winding up through the Egyptian desert toward the Mediterranean Sea, and Cairo in the river delta. Such a stark contrast between the dark desolate lifeless desert of northern Africa and the Nile River teeming with life along its shores. In the distance... the eastern Mediterranean on a beautiful autumn evening (1-31-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5196844415 6c895f8e9c b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 18<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo18> *Space Photo: Progress 39P *Our ‘Progress 39P’ unmanned resupply spaceship on final approach for docking this past Sunday. It was laden with food, fuel, spare parts, and much needed supplies for our orbiting outpost. The greatest gift was just inside the hatch…some bags of fresh fruit and vegetables. Such a wonderful treat after 3 months of eating out of tubes and plastic pouches (9-15-2010)! Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5197444646 de4012dee9 b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 19<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo19> *Space Photo: view out of the cupola *Wanted to share this view out of the Cupola. We said farewell to our teammates Sasha, Misha and Tracy this weekend and they are safely back on planet Earth. Tracy in quiet reflection of an incredible journey…homeward bound…(9-26-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5197444580 bb96c62967 b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 20<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo20> *Space Photo: Soyuz 23s above the Caspian Sea *Soyuz 23S, “Olympus” docked to the nadir side of the Space Station. This will be our ride back home to planet Earth when our work is complete here. Thought I would tweet this view out of the Cupola, as we were passing over the majestic snow-capped Caucuses. The sun rising and reflecting off the Caspian Sea (9-26-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5197444500 13a2f32598 b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 21<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo21> *Space Photo: Part of the Great Barrier Reef *An explosion of color, motion, and life painted on the canvas of our wonderful world. This is a section of the Great Barrier Reef off the eastern coast of Australia, captured through a 1200mm lens. I think even the great Impressionists would be awestruck with this natural display (8-22-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5197444414 4e9fc42dc8 b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 22<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo22> *Space Photo: Italy by night *The beauty of Italy, on a clear summer night, stretching out into the Mediterranean Sea. You can see many of the beautiful islands lit up and adorning the coastline including Capri, Sicily, and Malta. The city of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius stand out along the coast. Viva Esperia (8-22-2010)! Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5197444274 f855066766 b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 23<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo23> *Space Photo: Patagonia glacier *At the southern end of South America lies the jewel of Patagonia. The awe-inspiring beauty of rugged mountains, massive glaciers, fjords, and the open sea collide in a breathtaking display. I have dreams of this place and wonder what it would be like to breathe this air. Pure majesty (8-28-2010)! Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5197444166 b60e71306c b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 24<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo24> *Space Photo: The Cupola from the outside *The ‘Cupola’, attached to the nadir side of the Space Station, gives a panoramic view of our beautiful planet. Fyodor took this picture from the window of the Russian Docking Compartment (Airlock). Here I am in the Cupola preparing a camera for our late evening Hurricane Earl flyover…trying to capture the moment…(8-31-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5196843845 cc986e98c7 b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 25<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo25> *Space Photo: Greece by night *The Isles of Greece during a clear night pass over Europe. Athens shining brightly along the Mediterranean Sea. A very surreal feeling to view the splendor of this ancient land from outer space (9-4-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5197573116 aee6e36923 b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 26<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo26> *Space Photo: Florida by night *The Florida peninsula and the southeastern U.S. on the kind of evening that I miss most about our planet. A clear autumn night with moonlight over the water and the sky filled with a billion stars (11-2-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5196972967 2c9961623a b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 27<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo27> *Space Photo: Middle East by night *A clear starry night over the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea . Ancient lands with thousands of years of history stretching from Athens, Greece all the way around the Med to Cairo, Egypt. Storied lands, fabled cities, and alluring islands... Athens - Crete - Rhodes - Izmir - Ankara - Cyprus - Damascus - Beirut - Haifa - Amman - Tel Aviv - Jerusalem - Cairo are beacons on this cool November night. Grace and Peace from the sanctity of space... (11-7-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock [image: 5196998289 472e663ac4 b Incredible Space Photos from ISS by NAS] 28<http://triggerpit.com/2010/11/22/incredible-pics-nasa-astronaut-wheelock/#photo28> *Space Photo: Sunset *It is the season for viewing Polar Mesospheric Clouds, and with our high beta-angle we were able to capture this thin layer of noctilucent clouds at sunset (6-25-2010). Space Photo: NASA, Astronaut Wheelock
