Dancing Antarctic aurora captured by astronaut

Astronaut Jessica Meir shared a mesmerizing time-lapse video of a green aurora shimmering above Antarctica, as seen from the International Space Station (ISS). The celestial display, observed at an altitude of around 200 kilometers, was described as resembling a green serpent twisting and moving forward.

Meir, who was at an altitude of 400 kilometers aboard the ISS, noted that this aurora's dancing, undulating form was particularly mystical and moving, differing from previous auroras she had witnessed. The phenomenon is caused by high-energy particles originating from the sun, which are guided by Earth's magnetic field towards the polar regions.

Upon reaching the upper atmosphere, these solar particles collide with atmospheric particles, producing light. The distinct green hue of the aurora is a result of interactions with oxygen particles. The specific aurora captured was generated by particles released from a powerful solar flare on the sun's surface that occurred recently. Astronauts aboard the ISS, including Meir, regularly capture and share stunning images and videos of Earth and space during their 16 daily orbits.