![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/earth-moon-mars.jpg?quality=85&w=2400)
By TIME Photo
NASA released a composite image of Earth and the moon on Friday, combining the best image of Earth with the best image of the moon.
The images were captured on Nov. 20, 2016 by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. At the time, Mars was about 127 million miles from Earth.
Both images were processed separately and then combined due to the difference in the brightness of both bodies. “The moon is much darker than Earth and would barely be visible at the same brightness scale as Earth,” NASA said.
The image still reflects the correct size and positions of both bodies.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Melinda French Gates Is Going It Alone
- How to Buy Groceries Without Breaking the Bank
- Lai Ching-te Is Standing His Ground
- How to Cool Your Body Down Fast
- Forget Having It All . Let’s Try Having Enough
- 4 Signs Your Body Needs a Break
- The 15 Best Movies to Watch on a Plane
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com