Astronauts witnessed a truly stunning natural phenomenon aboard the International Space Station Saturday and Sunday, one that few Earthlings get to appreciate up close. Luckily, they shared the experience with the rest of the planet via social media.
NASA astronauts Scott Kelly and Kjell Lindgren and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui have been sharing amazing photos of red and green auroras flickering above Earth since Saturday. Kelly has diligently documented the lights on his Twitter feed.
The incredible lights are likely the aftermath of a solar storm that made it to Earth on Aug. 12. Not only can the northern and southern lights be seen from the Earth, but astronauts get a unique view as they gaze down at the display.
There was a similar storm in June that was also captured by Kelly, who is taking part in the Space Station's first yearlong mission.
Check out all the natural marvels crew members have been sharing.
Uhhhh, wow. pic.twitter.com/VTnCeRpdBE— Kjell Lindgren (@astro_kjell) August 16, 2015
Day 142. Weekend is fading, but #Aurora is not. Good night from @space_station! #YearInSpace pic.twitter.com/rZAkTmQClF— Scott Kelly (@StationCDRKelly) August 17, 2015
Antares, Saturn and beautiful auroras! pic.twitter.com/HaZ2EQ3gtd— 油井 亀美也 Kimiya.Yui (@Astro_Kimiya) August 16, 2015
Another pass through #Aurora. The sun is very active today, apparently. #YearInSpace pic.twitter.com/1uDtRzrGuY— Scott Kelly (@StationCDRKelly) August 15, 2015
#Aurora trailing a colorful veil over Earth this morning. Good morning from @space_station! #YearInSpace pic.twitter.com/q7C7R5D6fu— Scott Kelly (@StationCDRKelly) August 15, 2015