NASA astronaut captures stunning Northern Lights while on ISS

On May 23, 2025, Nichole Ayers, a NASA astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS), experienced a delightful surprise when she observed a beautiful display of the Northern Lights. While initially attempting to photograph active storms over both North and South America, Ayers was unexpectedly treated to the stunning auroras that graced the view over the northern United States and Canada. Her excitement was palpable as she shared a video documenting this breathtaking phenomenon on social media platform X. The occurrence of the Northern Lights coincided with a geomagnetic storm warning issued by NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, which indicated enhanced solar activity that made the occurrence of the auroras likely in that region. The auroras are caused when energized particles from the Sun interact with Earth's magnetic field, resulting in brilliant colors due to varying interactions of those particles with oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere. Such occurrences serve as a reminder of the dynamic relationship between space weather and terrestrial visibility of cosmic phenomena, connecting human observers on Earth with the larger universe beyond our atmosphere. Since launching to the ISS in March 2025 as part of NASA’s Crew-10 mission with SpaceX, Nichole Ayers has taken the opportunity to share some remarkable views of Earth. This includes prior recordings of stunning auroras captured in late April, which showcased her passion for exploring and documenting these magnificent displays of nature. The team aboard the ISS has continued to observe different phenomena that arise due to its unique position in low Earth orbit. Each experience has reinforced the importance of scientific insight provided by astronauts, as not only do they conduct research while in space, but they also foster curiosity and inspire interest in space science among those on Earth. The visual beauty of the Northern Lights reflects the ongoing interplay between solar activities and Earth’s magnetic environment, demonstrating the elegance and complexity of astrophysical processes. In the wake of her informative posts, Ayers has highlighted the impact of social media in bringing space exploration and its wonders closer to the general public. By sharing videos and photographs, she invites a wider audience to appreciate the science behind these celestial events, shedding light on the mechanisms responsible for such displays. While the Northern Lights can be enjoyed by individuals on the ground given the right conditions, Ayers's vantage point from the ISS allows for a unique and expansive view of this natural spectacle. The enriched experience was particularly serendipitous, as she was focused on capturing severe weather phenomena in the Americas but ended up making a memorable encounter with one of nature’s most spectacular light shows. Ultimately, instances like Ayers’s sightings of the Northern Lights contribute to the cultural and scientific narratives within the realm of space exploration. As astronauts like her share experiences that inspire awe, it simultaneously promotes continuous interest in monitoring space weather, its effects on Earth, and the possibility of future space missions that could explore further into the cosmos.