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'A Beautiful Planet,' shot from the International Space Station (pictures)

Astronauts in orbit took over the cameras to shoot an upcoming Imax film that offers a view of a changing Earth.

Eric Mack
Eric Mack has been a CNET contributor since 2011. Eric and his family live 100% energy and water independent on his off-grid compound in the New Mexico desert. Eric uses his passion for writing about energy, renewables, science and climate to bring educational content to life on topics around the solar panel and deregulated energy industries. Eric helps consumers by demystifying solar, battery, renewable energy, energy choice concepts, and also reviews solar installers. Previously, Eric covered space, science, climate change and all things futuristic. His encrypted email for tips is ericcmack@protonmail.com.
Eric Mack
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Sunrise in space

A handful of astronauts aboard the International Space Station filmed the upcoming Imax movie, "A Beautiful Planet," focusing on life on Earth and how it is changing. This shot captures a sunrise from orbit aboard the station. The movie premieres April 29.

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Spacewalkin'

NASA astronaut Barry "Butch" Wilmore performs maintenance on the space station. Wilmore said temperatures on the sunny side of the station can be so hot that his fingers sometimes felt as if they were on fire.

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Shutterbug in space

European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti photographs Earth from the cupola on board the International Space Station.

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Himalayan hello

Here is a view of the Himalayas from the space station. Astronauts have observed increased melting of alpine glaciers and increased flows to watersheds running all the way to the ocean.

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Fruit loops

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Kimiya Yui unpacks a supply of fresh fruit delivered to the International Space Station, which promptly begins to drift away from him and makes for effortless juggling.

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Caribbean dreams

Coral reefs are visible in this shot of Florida and the Bahamas in the moonlight from the space station.

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Night light

Here is northeastern Canada, the United States and beyond as seen from the International Space Station. Cities from Chicago to Boston to Montreal are visible below a vibrant aurora.

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Green fairies

This green aurora isn't just for show; it means the Earth's magnetic shield is working and protecting us from the sun's radiation. Awww, thanks magnetic shield! Now we're making the Martians jealous.

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Aruba, Bahama, come on pretty...

Coral reefs can be seen during the daytime from orbit.

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Thunderheads

Violent thunderstorms look like this when viewed from the other side of the clouds. These thunderheads are over central Africa as seen from the space station.

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Lakes that are better than good

Astronauts can see climate in action. In this shot, ice covers much of the Great Lakes.

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Nature's fury from above

This is the 25-mile-wide eye of Typhoon Maysak as seen from the International Space Station in "A Beautiful Planet." The Imax film shot by astronauts aboard the space station premieres April 29. Check out more images of mother nature's fury from orbit here.

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