NASA astronaut Zena Cardman recorded a breathtaking display of the Northern Lights from aboard the International Space Station, offering a rare perspective on one of Earth’s most mesmerizing natural phenomena. According to NASA, Cardman currently serves as the commander of the SpaceX Crew-11 mission, which launched from Earth on August 1.
Speaking to the BBC, Cardman noted the uniqueness of the view from orbit, saying, “I’ve never seen an aurora from the ground, but up here, it’s a show we get to witness quite often.”
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, form when charged particles from the Sun interact with Earth’s magnetic field and upper atmosphere, creating vivid waves of light. They are most commonly visible between October and April in Scandinavian regions, though strong solar activity can push them much farther south.
On November 12, parts of the United States witnessed this dazzling event. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had issued a geomagnetic storm warning, suggesting auroras might be visible across central—and potentially even southern—states. Although no communication disruptions were reported, skies across many areas lit up dramatically. In particular, Zimmerman, Minnesota, became a stage for a vibrant aurora following intense solar flares.
From space, the display is even more spectacular. Cardman’s footage reveals how Earth’s magnetic shield forms sweeping curtains of light shimmering across the planet’s edge—a sight that is not only visually stunning but also scientifically invaluable. These images remind us of the dynamic relationship between our planet and the Sun, and of the beauty that unfolds far above our everyday view.