Flying over the Hindu Kush Mountains in Helmand Province Afghanistan on a cold February day. Shown is Sgt Joseph Wilson at the tail gun surveying the landscape on a CH-53E Marine helicopter. Photo and caption: Jetson Nguyen
That must be some view, though presumably you can't have any fear of height to appreciate it. That and other very cool photos are in the running to win $10,000 at the annual National Geographic Photography Contest.
The best part is that you are invited to enter your people, places, and nature photographs online (till Nov 30, entry fee $15): Link - Thanks Ethan!
Previously on Neatorama: National Geographic International Photo Contest 2009
The illumination is provided by the windows of the helicopter. Sunlight isn't considered wasted resource.
http://goldendome.org/Lucas/DarthVaderMeditating.jpg