These cumulus thunderheads near São Paulo, Brazil, were
photographed from almost directly overhead by the STS 41-B crew.
This perspective conveys something of the energy that drives these
cloud columns to punch up into the atmosphere. The foreshortening
resulting from the near-vertical viewing angle disguises the fact
that the cloudheads so prominently in view are but the tops of
massive thunderhead storm clouds that can tower up to 18,000 meters
(60,000 feet) in the tropics. (Courtesy LPI/NASA