ESA astronaut Tim Peake took this image from the International Space Station during his six-month Principia mission. He commented: "More stars in the Universe than grains of sand on Earth – easy to believe from up here."
Professional photographer Max Alexander has known Tim Peake from before his launch into space and gave Tim photography tips during his mission. Max comments: "Most pictures taken from the ISS don't show stars, and astronauts get asked if they can see many. They can, in great profusion, and Tim has really captured this. Normally the stars are too dim in relation to the Earth for their cameras to record them. However, when exposing for the night side of the Earth their cameras can see these stars. Tim has pushed his equipment to the limit here, using a high ISO setting, with the lens wide open, and using a long exposure."
Follow Tim Peake via timpeake.esa.int