Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Astronaut Shares Aurora and Wildfire Views from ISS
A NASA astronaut named Jonny Kim took a video from the International Space Station (ISS) showing the beautiful green lights of the aurora, which are like colorful curtains in the sky.
He also saw some fires burning on the ground in Canada.
These colorful lights happen when tiny particles from the sun bump into our planet's air.
People who saw the video thought it was super cool and amazing to see our world from so high up, with some saying it looked 'absolutely beautiful.'
Astronauts on the ISS had to change their sleeping plans because of recent solar storms, which are like big bursts of energy from the sun that can make space a bit more dangerous with radiation.
NASA astronaut Jonny Kim shared a video of the Northern Lights and wildfires in Calgary from the ISS on September 8, 2025.
The video shows the green aurora glowing on the planet's edge and shimmering as the ISS moves forward.
The astronaut pointed out orange lights on the ground as wildfires burning in Calgary, Canada.
Social media users reacted with awe and appreciation for the unique perspective, calling the view 'absolutely beautiful' and 'amazing.'
Astronauts on the ISS adjusted their sleeping plans due to recent solar storms that increased radiation levels.
- Who
- NASA astronaut Jonny Kim
- What
- Filmed and shared a video of the northern lights and wildfires as seen from the ISS.
- When
- September 8, 2025
- Where
- From the International Space Station (ISS) over North America
- Why
- To share a stunning view of Earth's natural phenomena and ongoing wildfires.
User Reactions
Scientific Context
Appreciation of the View
User Reactions
Users expressed awe and gratitude for seeing the aurora and Earth from space, calling the view 'stunning,' 'amazing,' 'sublime,' 'fragile,' and 'breathtaking.'
Scientific Context
The aurora occurs when charged particles from the solar wind interact with Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere, producing vibrant colors.
Uniqueness of the Perspective
User Reactions
Commenters highlighted the incredible experience of witnessing the Northern Lights from the unique vantage point of space.
Scientific Context
These displays are triggered by intense solar storms hitting Earth's magnetic field.
- Astronaut
- Jonny Kim
- Date of Video
- September 8, 2025
- Location of Video
- International Space Station (ISS) over North America
- Visible Phenomena
- Northern Lights, wildfires in Calgary region
- ISS Expedition
- Expedition 73
- Crew Members Mentioned
- Oleg Platonov, Sergey Ryzhikov, Alexey Zubritsky, Mike Fincke, Jonny Kim, Zena Cardman, Kimiya Yui
