Stunning footage from the International Space Station (ISS) shows the magical beauty of the aurora glimmering high above the Earth.
The International Space Station soars above an aurora blanketing the Earth underneath a starry sky before orbiting into a sunrise 257 miles above Quebec, Canada, on Oct. 30, 2024. pic.twitter.com/fqp7tu57CZ
— International Space Station (@Space_Station) November 16, 2024
The video, taken on October 30, 2024, and published by NASA, begins with a light green hue on Earth’s horizon, visible from an altitude of 413 km. However, this light gradually turns into a breathtaking spectacle that unfolds against a starry sky.
In a commentary on the 60-second video, NASA notes: “The International Space Station soars above an aurora blanketing the Earth underneath a starry sky before orbiting into a sunrise 257 miles above Quebec, Canada.”
The aurorae are caused by the interaction of the solar wind with the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. For the ISS crew, such phenomena have become a familiar part of their work, especially during periods of increased solar activity. However, this sight never leaves the astronauts without attention – it captures the attention of every member of the crew.
NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick, who recently returned from a six-month mission to the ISS, called the aurora “crazy” and shared footage showing the phenomenon glimmering behind the Boeing Starliner spacecraft as it docked with the station. His colleague Jasmin Moghbeli, who also observed the phenomenon, commented enthusiastically, “Every single time I’m amazed at how alive and beautiful our planet is.”
The experience of contemplating the aurora leaves a strong impression on astronauts. Don Pettit, who at 69 remains NASA’s oldest active astronaut, described a recent moment this way: “We were not flying above the aurora, we were flying in the aurora. And it was blood red.” Pettit added in his own style, “The sun goes burp and the atmosphere turns red.”
Such spectacles are reminders not only of the uniqueness of our planet, but also of its vulnerability. The aurorae continue to inspire humanity to view the Earth with a new awareness of its beauty and significance.
Earlier we reported on what the aurorae look like on different planets in the solar system.
Provided by digitaltrends.com
