A view of the Earth from the International Space Station's Cupola widow on Feb. 8, 2015. The Cupola, a small, dome-shaped module has seven windows – six around the sides and one on top – that can be shuttered when not in use to protect the ISS from micrometeoroids and the harsh space environment. The windows are made of fused silica and borosilicate glass panes, with temperature-sensing elements and window heaters. It is attached to the Tranquility Node 3 module, Cupola provides a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. Just under ten feet in diameter, the module accommodates two crew members and portable workstations that can control station and robotic Canada arm activities. The multi-directional view allows the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects.