Footage released by NASA on Wednesday reveals striking green aurora ribbons illuminating our planet.
The timelapse captured from the International Space Station shows the ribbons shimmering above Earth, while a thin orange line of the atmosphere highlights the planet’s edge.
BACK-TO-BACK SOLAR STORMS HEADED FOR EARTH COULD CREATE DAZZLING AURORAS, POWER GRID FLUCTUATIONS
NASA explains that auroras form when charged particles from the Sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, guided by the planet’s magnetic field.
Striking green aurora ribbons illuminate Earth from International Space Station
(@NASA_Johnson / X / FOX Weather)
“Oxygen produces green and red light, while nitrogen contributes blues and purples — a luminous reminder that Earth is constantly interacting with space weather far beyond what we can see from the ground,” they said.
SEE IT: NASA CAPTURES STRONG X-CLASS SOLAR FLARE FROM SUN FUELING POTENTIAL FOR ENHANCED AURORAS
Recently, the Sun released a strong solar flare on Tuesday, Feb. 3, following several eruptions in the preceding days, raising the possibility of increased geomagnetic storm activity.
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured a strong solar flare released by the Sun on Tuesday, Feb. 3. Following several eruptions in preceding days, this activity could trigger geomagnetic disturbances and enhance the Northern Lights.
Solar flares — especially when accompanied by coronal mass ejections (CMEs) — can increase aurora views.
According to NOAA and NASA, when the Sun releases energetic particles and magnetic material — especially from coronal mass ejections (CMEs) associated with solar flares — these particles and fields can interact with Earth’s magnetic field, drive geomagnetic storms, and enhance the brightness and extent of the Northern Lights.
SEVERE GEOMAGNETIC STORM DAZZLES NIGHT SKY WITH NORTHERN LIGHTS IN MANY STATES ACROSS US
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Northern Lights in Sikeston, Missouri, Jan. 2026
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Northern Lights in Westminster, Vermont, Jan. 2026
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Northern Lights spotted in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, Jan. 2026
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Northern Lights in Lexington, Virginia, Jan. 2026
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Northern Lights spotted in Wiesbaden, Germany, Jan. 2026
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Northern lights spotted Monday night on a flight to Iceland.
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The aurora borealis were starting to become visible in Athens, AL, Jan. 2026
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The aurora borealis were starting to become visible in Athens, AL, Jan. 2026
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The aurora borealis were out in Floyd County, KY. The northern lights red tint was visible with the naked eye.
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Northern lights were shining bright in Minnesota
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Northern lights captured in Lebanon, VA on Monday.
(@babowling12 / X)
In late January, a strong geomagnetic storm gave millions the rare opportunity to see the Northern Lights.
