Jaw-dropping View of the Northern Lights from Space!
- Melissa Santañez
- 4 hours ago
- 1 min read
Captured from aboard the International Space Station, astronaut Anne McClain’s video of the aurora borealis from space is one of the most mesmerizing views you'll ever see. Thanks to a recent solar storm, Earth lit up in cosmic greens and purples — and we’ve got the footage.
🎥 What Happened
NASA astronaut Col. Anne McClain captured a mesmerizing video of the aurora borealis from inside the Cupola of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked at the ISS. The display featured vibrant green, purple, and red ribbons dancing over Earth's curvature—lighting up the Dragon and even showcasing satellites drifting nearby.
🌌 Why It’s So Spectacular
High solar activity: A recent solar flare and coronal mass ejection (CME) triggered a G4-level geomagnetic storm, intensifying auroral displays visible as far south as California and New Mexico
Rare perspective: Seeing the Aurora from above offers a unique view of its movement along the edge of Earth’s atmosphere—“creeping along the top,” as McClain described
🛰️ Why It Matters
Beauty meets science: Beyond awe, the footage helps scientists understand how solar particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere.
Communication and power grid implications: While recent storms were non-disruptive, strong geomagnetic events can temporarily affect navigation, radio and power systems
✨ Experience It Yourself
"While no replicas from space, you can still catch the aurora from Earth! NOAA forecasts suggest continued minor geomagnetic storms, making the night sky as far south as New York a potential canvas—weather and local light conditions permitting." Indian Express
sources: Indian Express, People, NDTV
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