In a captivating display of nature’s grandeur, Russian cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov has shared stunning footage of the Earth’s aurora as seen from the International Space Station (ISS). The mesmerising images were captured during one of the most significant solar storms to hit our planet in over two decades.
Kud-Sverchkov, who is currently serving as a flight engineer aboard the ISS, took to social media to share the breathtaking video, which showcases the vibrant green and purple hues of the aurora borealis dancing across the Earth’s upper atmosphere. The footage offers a rare and awe-inspiring glimpse into the celestial phenomenon, which is typically only visible from certain regions on the ground.
The cosmonaut’s remarkable images come as the Sun enters a new 11-year solar cycle, marked by increased activity and the potential for more intense space weather events. The recent solar storm that triggered the dazzling aurora display was one of the largest to occur in more than 20 years, according to space weather experts.
“It’s an absolute privilege to witness the aurora from this vantage point,” said Kud-Sverchkov in a statement. “The sheer scale and beauty of these natural light shows never cease to amaze me. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to share this experience with the world.”
The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, is a natural light display that occurs when charged particles from the Sun interact with the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. As the particles collide with gases in the upper atmosphere, they emit colourful lights, creating the mesmerising patterns seen in Kud-Sverchkov’s footage.
While the aurora is typically visible from high-latitude regions, such as northern Scandinavia, Alaska, and Canada, the recent solar storm’s intensity allowed the lights to be seen from more southerly locations as well. Stargazers and sky enthusiasts across Europe and North America reported sightings of the aurora during the event.
Kud-Sverchkov’s video serves as a reminder of the wonders of our planet and the unique perspective that astronauts aboard the ISS are able to enjoy. As humanity continues to explore and understand the cosmos, these types of captivating images from space will undoubtedly inspire and awe people around the world.
