Published 22:40 IST, June 12th 2022

Astronaut from ISS shares sublime video of auroras dancing over Earth; WATCH

Astronaut Samantha Christoforretti, who is currently aboard the ISS, shared a video showcasing auroras dancing over the Earth's north pole.

Reported by: Harsh Vardhan
Follow: Google News Icon
  • share
Image: NASA | Image: self
Advertisement

In long list of Earth's characteristics we can marvel over, phemen of aurora formation is without a doubt one of most intriguing ones. If you think orwise, European ncy (ESA) astronaut Samantha Christoforretti's latest social media post might change your opinion. In her recent tweet, Christoforretti, who is currently aboard International Station (ISS), shared a video showing orbital outpost orbiting Earth with glorious auroras dancing below. 

"Electrically charged particles from sun collide with air molecules. You can see m in far rrn and far sourn regions of Earth", astronaut wrote in her tweet.

Advertisement

Do you kw how auroras are formed?

(Illustration of aurora formation; Im: NASA)

In simplest of terms, auroras, which are called aurora borealis in rth pole and aurora australis in South, are formed when charged solar particles interact with Earth's magnetic field. Our planet's magnetic field is extremely crucial for our survival as it shields us from most of harmful radiation energy and particles. sun keeps ejecting strong solar flares toward Earth but intensity varies on different occasions. When solar ejection is too strong, some of energy and small particles can travel down magnetic field lines at rth and south poles into Earth's atmosphere.

Advertisement

When se solar particles interact with Earth's atmosphere, large streams of colorful lights emerge, with oxygen giving off green and red light and nitrogen giving off blue and purple.

Earth is t only one with auroras

Since auroras are a result of solar particles interacting with a planetary magnetic field, any planet having a magnetic coat around it will experience formation of auroras. Interestingly, auroras have also been found on planets such as Saturn and Jupiter. Most recently, UAE's Hope probe discovered a new type of aurora on Earth's neighbour Mars. Tap here to read more.

Advertisement

22:40 IST, June 12th 2022