"This looks like the storm in the Day After Tomorrow" — Internet reacts to NASA astronaut capturing video of Hurricane Milton from space

NASA Astronaut Dominick Matthew shares images of Hurricane Milton from space (Image via X/@dominickmatthew)
NASA Astronaut Dominick Matthew shares images of Hurricane Milton from space (Image via X/@dominickmatthew)

One of NASA's astronauts, Matthew Dominick, captured images of Hurricane Milton from the International Space Station as it advanced toward central Florida. On October 8, he captured the pinhole eye and brewing Category 5 storm through the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule Endeavour window. Matthew took to X to share a timelapse of the same.

In the caption, he revealed:

"We flew over Hurricane Milton about 90 minutes ago. Here is the view out the Dragon Endeavour window. Expect lots of images from this window as this is where I’m sleeping while we wait to undock and return to Earth. Timelapse coming in a separate post. 1/6400 sec, f8, ISO 500."

As indicated by the image, the eye and the surrounding eyewall, i.e., a circle of clouds, are well-defined. This implies that extreme weather and strong winds are imminent as Hurricane Milton makes its way to Florida; the smaller the eye, the bigger the magnitude. Dominick also revealed that he will spend the night there as they "undock and return to Earth.”

The internet was seemingly amazed at the image, albeit tinged with fear. As one user put it,

"This looks like the storm in the Day After Tomorrow."

Others online chimed in, acknowledging the mesmerizing image and the destruction it will leave in its wake as it churns through the Gulf of Mexico.

"Awesome shot! Great idea to have a 0.5 sec interval, the result is very smooth & really looks like you are speeding over the hurricane. Ofc this is also very worrying for the folks under Milton in Florida, Georgia etc, hopefully people will evacuate somewhere else well in time," another user noted.
"Perspective is everything! On the ground #Milton is menacing, frightening, and most certainly devastating. From space, Milton is mesmerizing and spectacular! Both perspectives put me in awe of nature," yet another pointed out.
"I’m no scientist or weather expert but I know what looks absolutely terrifying when I see it! I’ve good friends in Florida and thoughts and prayers with them," another prayed.
"Wow, that's an incredible capture of Hurricane Milton! The timelapse really puts into perspective how dynamic and powerful these storms are. Also, kudos on the camera settings – managing to get such clarity in those conditions is impressive. Stay safe out there!" one user tweeted.

Several others were seemingly awestruck upon beholding the magnificent visuals.

"Wow so beautiful n scary at the same time," one user reckoned.
"My god.. awe inspiring and frightening at the same time," another noticed.
"This brings me back to that scene from The Day After Tomorrow where we see an aerial view of the storm cells over England before the RAF pilots' fuel lines jam up, the helicopters crash and we're treated to the cinematic sight of them freezing solid in real time," yet another pointed out.

Hurricane Milton grew larger in the last 24 hours, to hit bigger parts of Florida when it reaches

As per Weather.com, Hurricane Milton will be making landfall in Florida on Wednesday night into the early hours of Thursday. As such, it is expected to bring storm surges, wind damage, calamitous tornadoes, and rainfalls with the power to flood regions. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said on Wednesday morning:

"Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida."

As per its latest status, Hurricane Milton has been located 300 miles southwest of Tampa and is northeast-bound at 14 mph. Winds are soaring at about 160 mph as of 5 a.m. EDT. Furthermore, rainfall has been blanketing chunks of the state well before the landfall hits. According to the outlet, the storm has grown in size in the last 24 hours alone and is expected to continue until it reaches Florida.

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Edited by Priscillah Mueni