Nasa astronaut Don Pettit has shared a breathtaking near-infrared image of the Ganges River delta, captured from the International Space Station (ISS) during his Expedition 73 mission.

Posted on social media, Pettit’s image offers a rare, high-contrast perspective of the world’s largest river delta, dramatically highlighting its vast, fertile landscapes spanning parts of eastern India and Bangladesh.

The Ganges–Brahmaputra Delta, also known as the Bengal Delta or Sundarbans Delta, covers more than 100,000 sq km and empties into the Bay of Bengal.

This region is not only a lifeline for millions with its rich agricultural soils and diverse ecosystems, but it also hosts the UNESCO-listed Sundarbans mangrove forest and is renowned for its dynamic waterways and seasonal flooding.

Pettit’s use of near-infrared photography amplifies distinctive features of the delta, making the lush vegetation and sprawling river networks glow with remarkable clarity.

“Ganges river delta, over India and Bangladesh, photographed in near-infrared from the ISS. It is the largest river delta on Earth,” Pettit shared, pointing to the scientific and aesthetic value of Earth observation from space. The technique enables unique detection of plant health, water distribution, and landscape changes—assets for researchers monitoring the pulse of one of Asia’s most vital natural resources.

The astronaut’s post has garnered widespread acclaim across social media and science channels, with commentators praising both the technical expertise and artistic beauty evident in the shot.

Pettit, celebrated for his contributions to space photography, continues to use his platform to foster greater appreciation for Earth’s geography and the importance of environmental stewardship.

This latest image of the Ganges delta shows the unifying power of science and the enduring allure of our planet when seen through the lens of space.

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