Key facts
- NASA astronaut Jessica Meir shared a timelapse video of the Southern Lights (aurora australis) from a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.
- The footage captured the aurora appearing as flowing green ribbons of light directly beneath the spacecraft.
- Meir noted this display was unique, describing it as 'dancing and snaking' around the Earth.
- Auroras are caused by charged particles from the Sun colliding with atmospheric gases, with color depending on the gas involved.
- Increased solar activity is anticipated to produce more auroral displays in the near future.
NASA astronaut Jessica Meir has shared a spectacular timelapse video of the Southern Lights, captured from orbit aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The footage offers a rare and mesmerizing view of the aurora australis, showcasing vibrant green ribbons of light that appeared to flow and twist directly beneath the spacecraft, creating an impression of a celestial dance across Earth's atmosphere.
Meir posted the video on X, formerly Twitter, describing it as one of the most remarkable auroral displays she has witnessed. She noted that unlike previous auroras she had seen from space, this phenomenon 'danced and snaked its way directly below us.' The unique vantage point from orbit allowed viewers to see the immense scale of the auroral activity wrapping around the planet.