A Glimpse of Cosmic Wonders from 250 Miles Up

Prepare to be mesmerized! NASA's oldest active astronaut, Don Pettit, has treated us to a stunning view of one of Earth’s rarest spectacles: the enchanting green auroras, all from his vantage point over 250 miles above our planet.

Captivating Videos from the International Space Station

On April 4 and 5, Pettit shared two extraordinary videos on X (formerly Twitter) showcasing the vibrant green auroras gracefully swirling across Earth’s atmosphere. One clip captures these luminous sheets glistening just above the frigid waters between Australia and Antarctica, while the other exhibits an ethereal scene that Pettit poetically described as “green vaporous turbulence.”

The Cosmic Ballet: How Auroras Dance in the Sky

From orbit, the auroras appear as glowing waves of smoke rolling through the upper atmosphere—an awe-inspiring effect born from the interaction between solar particles and Earth’s magnetic field.

Understanding the Science Behind the Magic

So, what causes these mesmerizing light shows? Commonly known as the northern lights (aurora borealis) and southern lights (aurora australis), these spectacular displays occur when solar wind particles—primarily electrons and protons—collide with atoms in Earth's magnetosphere. As these charged particles travel along magnetic field lines, they enter the atmosphere near the poles, colliding with oxygen and nitrogen atoms. This collision excites the atoms, prompting them to emit light.

The stunning green hue captured in Pettit's videos is a signature effect caused by oxygen atoms high in the atmosphere, typically between 100 and 300 kilometers. When these atoms return to their resting state after being energized, they release green photons that can illuminate vast stretches of sky under optimal conditions.

A Reminder of Earth’s Beauty Beyond Our Reach

Pettit’s breathtaking footage not only highlights the scientific wonders of our planet but also serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty waiting just beyond our reach in the cosmos.