January, 09, 2025-03:08
Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin | Visits: 38342 | :2821
NASA astronaut on board the ISS shares mesmerizing bird's-eye view video of the aurora:
Observing the shimmering brilliance of the Northern Lights is among the most extraordinary experiences on Earth. Recently, a NASA astronaut has provided insight into what it feels like to view this natural marvel from above. Astronaut Don Pettit has shared his aerial perspective of the Northern Lights from the International Space Station.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Mr. Pettit succinctly remarked: "Flying over aurora; intensely green." The captivating video showcases the lower structures of the space station set against the vibrant green illumination of the aurora. The Northern Lights typically occur at altitudes ranging from 60 to 186 miles (100 to 300 km) above the surface, while the ISS operates at nearly four times that height.
Social media users have expressed their astonishment at the unique vantage point astronauts possess. One surprised commenter noted: "Wait wait... auroras are that low?!"
Don Pettit, at 69, is NASA's oldest astronaut and part of the Expedition 72 crew, which includes stranded astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Willmore. Currently on his third mission aboard the station, Mr. Pettit is renowned for his exceptional orbital photography. Over his more than 300 days in space, he has earned a reputation as one of NASA's premier photographers, capturing breathtaking images of both Earth and the Northern Lights.
The Northern and Southern Lights are produced when charged solar particles interact with Earth's atmosphere. As these particles collide with gas molecules, they transfer energy, causing them to emit a bright glow. This phenomenon is visible from the ISS because the auroras form in a relatively low region of the atmosphere, with the lowest glowing gases typically found at an altitude of 80 miles (130 km) but occasionally dipping to as low as 60 miles.