NASA Astronaut Captures Stunning Timelapse of Southern Lights from SpaceX Dragon
"A view of the aurora australis from orbit, as seen by Jessica Meir aboard the SpaceX Dragon shuttle."
NASA astronaut Jessica Meir recorded a timelapse video of the Southern Lights from aboard the SpaceX Dragon shuttle.
The Southern Lights, also known as the aurora australis, occur as frequently as the Northern Lights over Antarctica. They are less well-known due to the sparse population near the South Pole.
The Science Behind the Glow
Both auroras—the aurora borealis and aurora australis—are caused by the same celestial phenomenon:
- Charged particles from the Sun are channeled by Earth's magnetic field toward the poles.
- There, they interact with the atmosphere, producing shimmering colors that dance across the sky.
This natural light show remains one of the most breathtaking sights visible from orbit, offering a unique perspective on Earth's dynamic magnetic environment.