Posted on by Elizabeth Howell

Abstract Art? Nope, It’s The World Cup Countries From Space!

And we have kickoff! As the fever of the 2014 FIFA World Cup takes over the world, NASA has shared images of all of the participating countries from space. And it shows that no matter what team you’re cheering for, our entire Earth is a darn beautiful place.

We’ve posted some of our favorite art-like shots below, and as a bonus, we’ve added a video and Twitter picture of astronauts playing soccer/football on the International Space Station a few days ago.

To collect the complete set of country pictures, head over to NASA’s Flickr album. And best of luck to all the teams!

Iran's Dasht-e Kevir, or Great Salt Desert. It is the largest desert in Iran. Picure taken by Landsat 7. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory
Iran’s Dasht-e Kevir, or Great Salt Desert. It is the largest desert in Iran. Picure taken by Landsat 7. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory
Sao Simao Reservoir in Brazil. Picture taken by an Expedition 16 crew member on the International Space Station. Credit: NASA/ISS
Sao Simao Reservoir in Brazil. Picture taken by an Expedition 16 crew member on the International Space Station. Credit: NASA/ISS
The Parana River in Argentina. Picture taken from the International Space Station. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory
The Parana River in Argentina. Picture taken from the International Space Station. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory
At left, Australia at night. At right, the Cupola on the International Space Station. Credit: NASA/ISS
At left, Australia at night. At right, the Cupola on the International Space Station. Credit: NASA/ISS
South Korea photographed from the International Space Station. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory
South Korea photographed from the International Space Station. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory

2 Replies to “Abstract Art? Nope, It’s The World Cup Countries From Space!”

  1. The last picture of South and North Korea is also featured in the July issue of Sky & Telescope where the contrast in light pollution (and lights in general) between the two countries is noted. Only the capitol Pyongyang really stands out in North Korea (as well as the brightly lit DMZ).

  2. Wow! Wow! I wish it was that simple to play soccer on Earth as it is in ISS. Good video guys, I like it, I like it.

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