Planet Earth as colour inspiration

In this time-lapsed sequence of photographs taken from the International Space Station, the thick texture of clouds and the opaque sea contrast with the glittering of man-made lights, showing our planet as a kinetic surface that is alive and ever-changing.

The vibrant hue of the iridescent airglow, combined with the patterns created by clouds and land traced with light, can be used to influence any creative practice. Subscribers can see how astronomy is used more widely as a creative direction in our report Brave Hue World.