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[[image]]

Florida Peninsula (image 2 of 3)

image #STS51C-44-026
26 January, 1985
Hasselblad Camera, 100mm lens

Background for the teacher:

This image shows more detail of Florida. It is especially vivid because of the clear skies. 

Cape Canaveral is visible as a spit of land extending outward on the Atlantic (eastern) side of the state. Tampa-St. Petersburg can be seen on the western side of the state. Inland, within the central chain of lakes, is the city of Orlando. The light colored waters of Florida Bay and the Florida Keys can be seen at the bottom of the photograph. 

The overlying limestone rock which makes up a large portion of the state was formed by an ancient sea. The limestone can collapse and leave large holes, some of which show up as lakes on this photo. The chain of lakes culminates near the huge Lake Okeechobee. The surrounding Big Cyprus Swamp and Everglades (near the foreground of the image) lead eastward to the Miami metropolitan area. 

Possible starting points for student investigations: 

Cross-reference this image with a map of Florida. (the shape is distorted because of the oblique angle of view).

• Fine Lake Okeechobee. How can you recognize a lake from space?
• Find the Everglades. How does this region differ from other parts of Florida? 
• Can you see Miami? How can you recognize a city from space? 
• Can you see Disney World? (no, too small to see such details)
  Can you see Cape Canaveral, where the shuttle is launched?
• Why are there no clouds over land, but clouds over the ocean? 
• Why are there no clouds over land, but clouds over the ocean? 

Teachers' Guide      Page9.24