Since 1970, Earth Day has raised awareness on some of the most important environmentally critical issues, from recycling to global warming. It's grown from being a small grassroots campaign centered in American cities to a global celebration that crosses continents.

Earth Day has helped the Green Movement immensely, but more than just raising awareness, Earth Day has always been an appreciation of the planet's natural beauty.

To help appreciate that beauty, NASA has released a series of photos, most of which were taken from satellites in space, of the planet's vast natural wonders. Here are 10 of the best. To view all of them, please go here.

Former UBS banker Bradley Birkenfeld runs into the Federal Courthouse in Ft Lauderdale
Former UBS banker Bradley Birkenfeld runs into the Federal Courthouse in Ft Lauderdale, Florida, August 21, 2009. REUTERS
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