‘Nature’s fireworks:’ ISS Shares Stunning Dance of Green Aurora in Dark Sky

The ISS described this phenomenon as “Nature’s fireworks,” mentioning that the video was taken while the space station was orbiting nearly 250 miles above Earth.

Why do auroras happen?

“These spectacular light shows occur when charged particles from the Sun collide with Earth’s magnetosphere. The result is glowing auroras that are constantly moving, creating an array of bands that fold, swirl, and ripple,” the ISS explained.

“While often spotted from the ground near the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the orbiting laboratory’s unique vantage point gives low Earth orbit crews a front-row seat to the colorful spectacle,” they added.

The ISS, a large spacecraft orbiting Earth, offers a unique view of our planet and the universe. In addition to being “a home where crews of astronauts and cosmonauts live,” it also serves as a science laboratory conducting research to advance space exploration.