A breathtaking photo captured by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station reveals a wall of haze trapped behind a massive, mountainous ridge in Pakistan. The image, taken on December 17, 2023, showcases the unique perspective of clouds pressed up against the peaks, offering a glimpse into the intricate dynamics of atmospheric phenomena.
The image captures a section of the Sulaiman Mountains, a range spanning approximately 2,500 square miles (6,500 square kilometers) across Afghanistan and Pakistan. The name “Sulaiman,” meaning “of Solomon” in Balochi, refers to the biblical figure King Solomon, who ruled ancient Israel around 3,000 years ago. These mountains, rising to an impressive 9,800 feet (3,000 meters) above sea level, form a natural barrier.
Elevated plateaus sit to their west, while the Indus River Valley lies to their east. Moisture from the Indian Ocean frequently accumulates in this valley, creating a mix of haze, mist, and clouds. The various forms of water vapor are too low to pass above the mountains, instead being forced around the peaks via a process known as terrain-forced flow. This phenomenon, described by NASA’s Earth Observatory, explains the trapped haze visible in the photograph.
However, some small clouds manage to force their way in between the peaks at certain points. One such spot, located in the center of the image, sits directly above the small Pakistani town of Dhana Sar, where a gorge cuts through the mountains.
The Sulaiman Mountains are an extension of the southern Hindu Kush mountain system, formed around 60 million years ago by a slow-motion collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The mountains’ most notable peak is Takht-e-Sulaiman, also known as the “Throne of Solomon.” Legend holds that Solomon climbed this peak to gaze over Hindustan, the ancient term for the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent, according to the writings of 14th-century explorer Ibn Battuta.
This towering peak, standing at 11,440 feet (3,487 meters), lies just out of shot, approximately 20 miles (32 km) north of Dhana Sar. Despite being captured from space, the photo appears as if it were taken from the air due to its oblique perspective. This angled shot, captured from around 45 degrees, is possible only from the International Space Station, where astronauts can photograph through the station’s side windows. Most satellites, in contrast, are limited to the traditional straight-down, or “nadir,” perspective.
