From the International Space Station, astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti has a stunning view of the auroras in the southern hemisphere of Earth.
Mystical auroras viewed from the International Space Station (ISS). (Photo: Samantha Cristoforetti)
The photos shared by Cristoforetti on Twitter on August 21 show the southern auroras undulating like massive waves of green light in the upper atmosphere of Earth.
“Recently, the Sun has been very active. Last week, we saw the most beautiful auroras after more than 300 days in space,” emphasized the Italian astronaut.
Auroras occur when high-energy particles from the solar wind interact with Earth’s magnetic field. The magnetic force redirects these charged particles, guiding them toward the planet’s poles. As they plunge deeper into the atmosphere, they collide with neutral molecules and atoms like oxygen and nitrogen, absorbing some energy, which is then released as light, forming the auroras.
Green auroras caused by charged particles colliding with oxygen in the atmosphere. (Photo: Samantha Cristoforetti)
According to Earth Science, collisions with oxygen produce green or red light, while collisions with nitrogen create blue or purple light. These are spectacular light displays that should not be missed, whether viewed from the ground or from space.
Cristoforetti, a member of the European Space Agency, is currently assigned to the ISS as part of a mission called Minerva. She launched into space on April 27 as a crew member of Crew-4, leading all operations of the U.S. segment of the station. Cristoforetti is scheduled to return to Earth next month.
