From his vantage point 250 miles above Earth on the International Space Station (ISS), astronaut Matthew Dominick has captured stunning images of the aurora borealis, showcasing vibrant green and red hues against a moonlit sky. Dominick, a member of the Expedition 71 crew and a seasoned space photographer, took advantage of a recent surge in auroral activity to capture these breathtaking views.
Dominick shared his photos and a timelapse video on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the beauty of the celestial display. He described the aurora as “amazing,” particularly after a new lens arrived on the Cygnus cargo spacecraft. The auroras, caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with gas molecules in Earth’s atmosphere, create a mesmerizing display of light as these molecules become energized and emit different colors depending on their composition. Green hues, for instance, are produced by oxygen.
Dominick’s images capture the intricate interplay of light, showcasing the moon’s glow as it descends towards the horizon amidst the dancing aurora. The red and green lights create a mesmerizing contrast against the backdrop of the Earth’s atmosphere, capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of this natural phenomenon.
His photos are part of his ongoing photographic documentation of the SpaceX Crew-8 mission, which will last for six months. Dominick has already amassed over 200,000 photos during his time aboard the ISS, many taken in his free time, showcasing his passion for capturing the wonders of space. These images, in addition to their artistic value, also serve a scientific purpose, providing valuable data for Earth observation and ISS maintenance.
