Super Typhoon Ragasa [7 Stunning Views] from ISS

Introduction

On September 22, 2025, the International Space Station (ISS) offered a rare and breathtaking view of Super Typhoon Ragasa, one of the most powerful storms of the year. As the station orbited Earth, it passed directly over the storm’s eye, capturing awe-inspiring images shared by @WxNB_ on X. These frames reveal not only the sheer scale of the typhoon but also its scientific significance.

Going that way⬆️ . Compared to Igor 2010, Haishen 2020 pic.twitter.com/A0L2eMWqPR

— Late n Lost (@fiikster) September 22, 2025

ISS Images Reveal the Typhoon’s Eye

The series of images captured from the ISS showcases the typhoon’s eye, a calm center surrounded by turbulent clouds. The first frames highlight the eye’s bright, clear center, approximately 60 kilometers wide, encircled by towering cloud walls. Meteorologists describe this as the “stadium effect”, where the eye resembles an amphitheater surrounded by vertical cloud cliffs.

Later frames include parts of the ISS itself, such as the H2 module, adding perspective to the storm’s enormity. The outer bands in the images illustrate the typhoon’s massive size, with winds reported at 180 mph (290 km/h).

Super Typhoon Ragasa: Path and Impact

Locally known as Nando, Ragasa was classified as a Category 5 super typhoon, making landfall in northern Philippines, including Babuyan and Calayan Islands, before advancing toward Hong Kong and southern China.

• Philippines: One death reported, thousands evacuated, widespread flooding and landslides.
• Hong Kong: Airport closed for 36 hours due to extreme winds.
• Southern China: Over 400,000 people evacuated from coastal cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

Warm ocean waters, intensified by climate change, contributed to the storm’s strength, highlighting the growing threat of extreme weather events globally.

Scientific Significance of Space Observations

The ISS images provide more than visual splendor—they are crucial for meteorological research. Observing the stadium effect and the eye’s structure allows scientists to understand:

• Typhoon intensification
• Wind pattern dynamics
• Forecast accuracy for populated regions

Space-based observation helps governments prepare for disasters and supports climate research, emphasizing the ISS’s role in Earth monitoring.

FAQs

Q1: How often do typhoons reach Category 5 strength?
A1: Category 5 typhoons are rare, with only a few occurring worldwide each year, mostly in the Pacific.

Q2: Why is the ISS view significant?
A2: It offers a unique, global perspective to analyze storm structure and monitor real-time progression.

Q3: How large was Ragasa’s eye?
A3: Approximately 60 kilometers wide, calm compared to the surrounding storm intensity.

Q4: Can climate change influence typhoons?
A4: Yes. Warmer oceans increase storm intensity and frequency, leading to stronger typhoons.

Conclusion

The ISS flyover of Super Typhoon Ragasa is more than a visual spectacle—it’s a scientific insight into one of nature’s most extreme events. The images remind us of our vulnerability to climate-driven disasters and the importance of advanced monitoring technologies for preparedness and mitigation.

By analyzing these observations, scientists can better forecast storms, inform evacuations, and study climate patterns. While the images are mesmerizing, they also carry a powerful message: our planet’s forces are immense, and understanding them is key to resilience.