The most stunning satellite photos of 2022 show a world gripped by volcanic eruptions, war, and protests

• In 2022, the world dealt with political upheaval, brutal climate change, and war.
• Satellite imagery provided a bird's eye view of some of the most important moments of the year.

The past year was one marked by tectonic shifts — both literally and figuratively.

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a vicious war in Ukraine — a war Ukraine has mightily countered. The staggeringly deadly conflict has raged on for close to a year, decimating cities and causing an exodus of Ukrainian migrants. Among the dead are 10,000 Russian and 13,000 Ukrainian troops, according to The New York Times. More than 6,800 Ukrainian civilians have been killed so far, according to the United Nations.

The world saw mass protests against COVID-19 policies, as the virus continued to rock countries in its third year. Natural disasters such as wildfires and volcanic eruptions, and floods of historic proportions also defined the year.

But throughout, moments of humanity emerged — even visible from above the earth's surface. Here are the most captivating satellite images of major world events in 2022.