ISS Captures Stunning Aurora Display Over Europe

On January 19, 2026, an aurora display was observed above Europe from the International Space Station (ISS). The event, characterized by red and green hues, was captured while the ISS orbited 262 miles above the Mediterranean Sea.

A photograph, taken at approximately 10:02 p.m. local time, documented Earth's horizon illuminated by auroral light. The image, captured looking north over Italy toward Germany, also showed city lights below. This atmospheric event is influenced by space weather, which encompasses interactions between the Sun and Earth.

Observation Details

The image was captured during an ISS night pass over Europe. The station maintained an altitude of 262 miles above the Mediterranean Sea, providing a northward view over the European landmass.

Red and green light bands were prominent across the horizon.

NASA astronaut Chris Williams was credited with the photograph. Conditions during this pass, including darkness, a clear view, and visible auroral activity, facilitated the capture of the event.

Aurora Formation

NASA explains that auroras result from energetic particles from space colliding with atmospheric gases, causing light emission. This natural phenomenon is known as aurora borealis in the Northern Hemisphere and aurora australis in the Southern Hemisphere, indicating solar activity reaching Earth.

Green emissions typically originate from oxygen molecules at lower altitudes, while red light is observed at higher altitudes where the atmosphere is less dense. This process is part of space weather, which encompasses solar-driven phenomena influencing Earth's magnetic environment.

Solar Energy Interaction

Auroras are a visual manifestation of a larger series of interactions. Solar activity releases energetic particles that travel toward Earth, become trapped in its magnetosphere, and follow magnetic field lines toward the poles. These particles then collide with atmospheric particles, resulting in visible light.