MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) is a key instrument aboard NASA’s Terra (EOS AM) and Aqua (EOS PM) satellites.
Terra's orbit around the Earth is timed so that it passes from north to south across the equator in the morning,
while Aqua passes south to north over the equator in the afternoon. Terra MODIS and Aqua MODIS view the entire Earth's surface every 1 to 2 days,
acquiring data in 36 spectral bands (or groups of wavelengths) from 705km above the earth’s surface.

This is a composite of two MODIS scenes which were combined to produce a cloud free image. These source images were enhanced to adjust for atmospheric biases
and to correct for colour and brightness differences between the two scenes. The final near infrared composite image was enhanced to create this natural looking image.

Created by: Paul Illsley