India glows under starlit sky in NASA’s latest image from space

A Glimpse of India from Space (Image: NASA)

There's something enchanting about seeing the world from up above. The stars, the twinkling city lights, and the gentle glimmer of the horizon — all remind us how small yet special our world truly is. NASA recently gave us that view again, and this time around, India took center stage.

India’s Lights Shine in NASA’s Space Series
NASA on Sunday released a set of four images taken from the International Space Station. Among them was a vivid photo of India glowing at night, its cities shining under a starlit sky.

The photo, shared on NASA’s official X account, highlighted India’s dense network of city lights. The image stood out in a series that also featured nighttime views of the Midwest United States, Southeast Asia, and Canada.

When you can see the stars above, the city lights below, and the atmospheric glow blanketing Earth's horizon.Pic 1) Midwest United StatesPic 2) IndiaPic 3) Southeast AsiaPic 4) Canada pic.twitter.com/nRa56Ov3cm
International Space Station (@Space_Station) April 12, 2025

One photo showed Canada framed by a faint green aurora. Another captured Southeast Asia’s mix of coast and land under clouds. The Midwest United States, too, was seen glowing under the stars.

Social Media Praises the Dazzling Display
The four-photo series was shared with the caption: “When you can see the stars above, the city lights below, and the atmospheric glow blanketing Earth's horizon.”

The post quickly caught people’s attention online. Users flooded the replies with praise for Earth’s beauty. “Simply stunning. We live on one amazing rock!” wrote one X user.

Another shared concern for the planet’s future: “And all we seem to want to do is destroy everything and anything living on that beautiful sphere.”

Many others thanked NASA for the photos and reflected on Earth’s beauty and fragility.

India Seen Again from Space During Maha Kumbh
The ISS, which orbits Earth between 370 and 460 kilometres above, often shares such views. NASA astronauts frequently photograph regions of the planet as they pass overhead.

In another recent post, NASA astronaut Donald Pettit shared an image of India taken during the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela. That photo, too, was captured from the International Space Station and received wide attention for its view of the spiritual gathering.

From glowing cities to spiritual festivals, images like these help remind us of our shared home — and how stunning it looks from above.