This is what astronauts saw from 250 miles above Category 4 Hurricane Matthew
Cameras aboard the International Space Station captured a unique view of powerful Hurricane Matthew as it moved toward Haiti on Monday, packing sustained winds of 140 miles per hour.
The storm threatens to unleash a disaster in Haiti, primarily due to its tremendous rainfall potential in a nation that has widespread deforestation. This means that if, as is forecast, up to 40 or more inches of rain fall, deadly mudslides could result as hilly slopes give way.
Cameras outside the space station captured dramatic views of major Hurricane Matthew as the orbital complex flew 250 miles above (speed x4). pic.twitter.com/nfAQuw2OQC
— Intl. Space Station (@Space_Station) October 3, 2016
The potential calamity on the ground seems remote when viewing the storm from space. From 250 miles high, the storm fills the entire screen, appearing to be almost a piece of art, with its symmetrical spiral shape and cleared out, cloud-free eye.
Heading out of the eye into the NW quadrant of Category 4 Hurricane #Matthew at 10,000 ft during today's recon flight. 📸: ARWO Maj Spusta 🌀 pic.twitter.com/iHY8KPqUPn
— Hurricane Hunters (@53d_HHA) October 3, 2016
It's difficult to believe, but at around the same time the Space Station overflew the storm, hurricane hunter aircraft were flying through its turbulent winds to keep tabs on its intensity and direction.
Pilot's radar display right before passing through the eye of Cat 4 #HurricaneMatthew at 7,000ft. pic.twitter.com/JDl6IICbuz
— NOAAHurricaneHunters (@NOAA_HurrHunter) October 2, 2016
Without a doubt, the astronauts aboard the Space Station had the smoother ride.
