Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have captured high-resolution footage of the aurora australis, providing new insights into the atmospheric impact of intense solar activity. According to NASA, these displays are the result of particles and magnetism interacting with Earth’s upper atmosphere, a process known as space weather. Recent time-lapse imagery shared by astronaut Jessica Meir highlights the dynamic, "snaking" movement of emerald lights across the southern hemisphere, offering a rare, orbital-level perspective on a phenomenon typically viewed from the ground.
Why Are Auroras Becoming More Visible?
Auroras are caused by solar wind—a stream of charged particles released from the sun—colliding with gases in Earth’s magnetosphere. When solar activity increases, these displays become more frequent and intense. NASA characterizes these events as an "intricate dance" of particles and magnetism. While ground-based observers often see these lights at high latitudes, the ISS orbits approximately 271 miles above the surface, allowing astronauts to view the aurora from above, providing a clearer look at the scale of the light show.
The intensity of recent displays is linked to the current solar cycle. According to reports from the ISS, the aurora australis witnessed on June 5, 2026, occurred during a period of heightened solar activity, which causes the lights to extend further toward the equator and appear more vivid.
How Do Astronauts Document Space Weather?
Astronauts use specialized, low-light cameras to document auroras, as the phenomenon requires precise exposure settings to capture the movement of light against the darkness of space. Jessica Meir’s recent time-lapse footage, recorded from a SpaceX Dragon craft docked at the station, demonstrates the "evocative" nature of the lights as they curve around the planet’s horizon.
Unlike terrestrial photography, which must account for cloud cover and light pollution, cameras on the ISS operate in a vacuum, capturing the interaction between solar particles and oxygen or nitrogen atoms without atmospheric interference. This data is used by scientists to better understand how space weather affects satellite communications and global power grids.
Did you know? The term "aurora" is derived from the Latin word for "dawn" and references the Roman goddess of the morning, who was said to travel across the sky to herald the sun.
What Future Trends Should Observers Expect?
As the sun approaches the peak of its current activity cycle, researchers anticipate more frequent and intense auroral displays. According to solar physicists, we are currently in a phase of the 11-year solar cycle where sunspots and solar flares are more common. This means that both the aurora borealis in the north and the aurora australis in the south are likely to remain active and potentially visible in areas that rarely experience such events.
Pro Tip: If you are planning to photograph an aurora from the ground, use a tripod and a manual camera setting with a long exposure (between 5 and 15 seconds) and a wide aperture to capture the faint movement of the lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are auroras dangerous to people on Earth?
No. According to NASA, the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere protect the surface from the radiation associated with solar events. Auroras are simply the visible result of this protective process.
What is the difference between the aurora borealis and the aurora australis?
They are the same phenomenon occurring in different hemispheres. The aurora borealis occurs near the North Pole, while the aurora australis occurs near the South Pole.
Can you see auroras during the day?
Auroras are present during the day, but the brightness of the sun makes them invisible to the human eye. They are best viewed in complete darkness, away from urban light pollution.
Do you have a question about space weather or want to share your own experience viewing the northern or southern lights? Join the conversation in the comments section below.