In a recent event, astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) were treated to a stunning display of the northern lights, or aurora borealis, during a severe geomagnetic storm. The astronauts, Don Pettit and Matthew Dominick, were awestruck by the vibrant, blood-red hues of the celestial light show and captured mesmerizing images to share with the world. This blog post delves into the captivating details of their extraordinary experience, shedding light on the science behind these dazzling atmospheric phenomena. Aurora (astronomy), Geomagnetic storm
Astronauts Witness Celestial Splendor from the ISS
On the night of October 10th, 2024, the International Space Station (ISS) became the perfect vantage point for a truly awe-inspiring sight. NASA astronauts Don Pettit and Matthew Dominick were treated to a breathtaking display of the northern lights, or aurora borealis, that left them utterly captivated.
According to Pettit, the event was completely unexpected. “This event caught both @dominickmatthew and I off guard. Aurora had been just so-so; we were out of energy at the end of a long day and reluctant to once again set up our cameras up for yet another ‘no show.'” However, a sudden burst of activity from the sun triggered a powerful geomagnetic storm, supercharging the atmosphere and creating a celestial light show that was simply too stunning to ignore.
As Pettit described it, “It looked like @Space_Station had been shrunk to some miniature dimension and inserted into a neon sign. We were not flying 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘷𝘦 the aurora; we were flying 𝘪𝘯 the aurora. And it was blood red.” The astronauts quickly sprang into action, capturing the mesmerizing display from multiple angles with their cameras.
The Science Behind the Stunning Aurora Displays
The breathtaking aurora displays witnessed by the astronauts on the ISS were the result of a powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun.
Coronal mass ejections are massive bursts of solar plasma and magnetic fields that are ejected from the sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona. When these charged particles interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, they can cause geomagnetic storms, which in turn create the dazzling aurora borealis and aurora australis (the southern lights).
“During a geomagnetic storm, the charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, primarily oxygen and nitrogen. These collisions cause the gas molecules to become excited and release energy in the form of photons, which we perceive as the vibrant, colorful lights of the aurora”.
The specific colors of the aurora are determined by the type of gas being excited and the energy level of the collisions. For example, the red hues observed by the astronauts on the ISS are typically associated with oxygen molecules at higher altitudes in the atmosphere.
Interestingly, the intensity and extent of the aurora displays can also be influenced by the Earth’s magnetic field, with the most intense displays often occurring near the magnetic poles. This is why the ISS, orbiting at an altitude of approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) above the Earth’s surface, was able to witness such a spectacular show.
As Pettit noted, “The sun goes burp and the atmosphere turns red. Spectacular not only from Earth but from orbit as well.” This remarkable event highlights the dynamic and captivating nature of our planet’s interactions with the sun, and the unique perspectives that can be gained from the vantage point of the International Space Station.
With the increasing frequency and severity of solar storms, it’s likely that we’ll see more awe-inspiring aurora displays in the coming years. For both earthbound and orbital observers, these celestial light shows are a testament to the beauty and wonder of our dynamic universe.
Capturing the Celestial Spectacle: The Art of Photographing the Aurora
Photographing the aurora borealis is a challenging yet rewarding pursuit, requiring a combination of technical skill, patience, and a keen eye for composition. As experienced orbital photographers, both Pettit and Dominick were well-versed in the art of capturing these ethereal displays.
When faced with the unexpected intensity of the aurora on that fateful night, the astronauts quickly sprang into action, setting up multiple cameras to capture the spectacle. As Pettit described, “Caught off guard, we hastily set up our cameras, four of them, all snapping shutters as fast as they could, creating a syncopated rhythm that accented Nature’s artistic display presented before us.”
These types of dynamic, real-time photographic opportunities are incredibly valuable for scientists and space enthusiasts alike, as they provide a unique perspective on the aurora and its interaction with the Earth’s atmosphere. The images captured by the astronauts not only showcase the breathtaking beauty of the celestial light show but also offer valuable data for researchers studying the complex processes that govern these natural phenomena.
For earthbound aurora chasers, the art of photographing these elusive displays requires a different set of techniques and considerations. Factors such as weather conditions, light pollution, and the ever-changing behavior of the aurora itself can all play a role in the success of a photographic expedition. By understanding the science behind the aurora and honing their technical skills, photographers can create stunning images that capture the true essence of these mesmerizing natural wonders.
Whether captured from the vantage point of the International Space Station or from a remote location on Earth, the images of the aurora borealis serve as a powerful reminder of the beauty and complexity of our planet’s atmospheric interactions with the ever-changing forces of the cosmos. As we continue to explore and study these captivating phenomena, the quest to capture their essence through photography will undoubtedly remain an enduring passion for both astronauts and earthbound enthusiasts alike.
