NASA astronaut's video shows southern polar lights magic from space

NASA astronaut Jessica Meir has captivated social media users with a stunning video showcasing the aurora australis, or southern polar lights, as seen from the International Space Station. The footage, captured aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, reveals the ethereal dance of lights in vibrant green hues.

While the aurora australis occurs just as frequently as the more widely recognized aurora borealis, it remains less familiar to many. This is largely due to the limited human population in regions near the South Pole, making sightings less common for most people.

Meir described the experience, noting how the lights "danced and weaved directly below us, creating a true spectacle." She expressed awe at the "ethereal phenomenon that evokes strong emotions." The video has since gone viral, delighting aurora enthusiasts worldwide.

The polar lights are created when charged particles from the sun are directed towards Earth's polar regions by the planet's magnetic field. These particles then collide with atmospheric gases, producing the shimmering, colorful displays characteristic of auroras.

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Unlike the previous aurora I saw, this one danced and weaved directly below us, creating a true spectacle. I am amazed by this ethereal phenomenon that evokes strong emotions.