Astronaut Anil Menon Captures Super Typhoon Dolphin from ISS Using iPhone
On August 2, 2026, Anil Menon, a NASA astronaut and colonel in the U.S. Space Force, posted a stunning image of a super typhoon taken from the Cupola module of the International Space Station using his personal iPhone. The photo is thought to show Super Typhoon Dolphin, which escalated to Category 5 last week and is currently moving towards Japan, prompting severe weather warnings for residents of Okinawa Island. NASA permitted astronauts to use personal iPhones starting in February 2026, as revealed by Administrator Jared Isaacman. The Artemis II mission in April marked the first time iPhones were utilized for extended purposes. The ISS is equipped with Wi-Fi for email and browsing. Image credit: Anil Menon / NASA.
Key facts
- Anil Menon is a NASA astronaut and colonel in the United States Space Force.
- Menon took the photo from the International Space Station's Cupola module.
- The photo was taken on an iPhone and posted on X on August 2, 2026.
- The storm is believed to be Super Typhoon Dolphin, which reached Category 5.
- Super Typhoon Dolphin is heading toward Japan, with Okinawa Island warned.
- Astronauts were allowed to bring personal iPhones starting February 2026.
- NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced the policy change.
- Artemis II mission carried iPhones for the first time in April 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Anil Menon
Institutions
- NASA
- United States Space Force
- International Space Station
- Artemis II
- PetaPixel
Locations
- Pacific Ocean
- Japan
- Okinawa Island
- Moon