How on Earth was this Image Made?

[PHY]

This image presents a remarkable view of the North Atlantic Ocean, stretching from the equator and western Africa northward to Iceland and Greenland, with sunset occurring over (north to south) Scandinavia, France, Spain, Algeria, Mali, and the Ivory Coast.

Here is an opportunity for you to play image detective. How on Earth was this image made? Is it a painting, or a map? Is it a photograph? If so, was it taken from a high-flying aircraft, or from outer space? Is it a satellite image, or possibly even something else?



Click to read the feature article from Earth Observatory when you’re ready to check your answer.

[socratus]

Very nice picture.
Thank you.

[BenTheMan]

my guess is that it is a computer doctored image, but I don't know for sure.

Cool pic.

[tin2019]

Why do you think it cannot be an actuall unedited photo? The only thing that's wierd is that there are no clouds. I'm not sure if that ever happens, but who knows.