Green spectacle leaves ISS astronauts speechless: 'It danced and slipped right under us'

Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) were treated to a spectacular display of a southern aurora, which illuminated Earth's atmosphere in intense green shades. NASA astronaut Jessica Meir shared breathtaking timelapse images of the event, captured from the SpaceX Dragon capsule. Meir described the aurora as an extraordinary spectacle, noting its unique behavior. "Unlike the auroras we've seen so far, this one danced and slipped right under us, offering us an extraordinary show," she stated. The phenomenon's visibility was linked to a recent solar event that sent charged particles toward Earth's atmosphere. Auroras form when these solar particles interact with the planet's magnetic field and atmospheric gases. The predominant green color observed is a result of interactions with oxygen atoms at lower altitudes. This celestial event provided astronauts, accustomed to remarkable views, with a moment of profound awe. The article also briefly references a similar aurora borealis display visible to Romanians on January 19, 2026.

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Unlike the auroras we've seen so far, this one danced and slipped right under us, offering us an extraordinary show.