Astronauts get best seat in house for powerful southern lights
Astronauts onboard the International Space Station (ISS) have been treated to quite a show as a powerful Aurora Australis turned the upper atmosphere green.
The photos were taken by ISS Commander Chris Cassidy who had the best seat in the house - 402km above Earth - for the spectacular event.
The aurora occurred somewhere above the Indian Ocean. Facebook: NASA Astronauts
Both the Northern and Southern lights - Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis – occur when high energy particles from the sun fall towards earth and interact with the Earth's magnetic field.
Commander Cassidy had spent his morning resizing U.S. spacesuits and engaging in "a variety of science activities" when he saw the aurora somewhere above the Indian Ocean, NASA said.
It lit up the upper-atmosphere in dazzling shades of green and yellow. Facebook: NASA Astronauts
The seven-person ISS crew were treated to the rare sight 402km above the Earth. Facebook: NASA Astronauts
The seven-person ISS crew are gearing up for two space walks on June 26 and July 1.
Two astronauts will exit the vessel and continue to upgrade the station's power systems.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
