Astronaut's captivating ISS video showcases scarcely seen red aurora phenomenon

NASA Astronaut Captures Rare Red Aurora from Space

NASA astronaut Don Pettit, currently the oldest serving astronaut at 70 years old, has once again made a significant contribution to space exploration with his impressive photography and video captures. During his most recent mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Pettit managed to capture a rare and stunning video of a red aurora.

The video, shared by Pettit on Sunday, shows a strong red element in the aurora, a sight that is typically rare and occurs only 2-3 times during a six-month mission to the ISS. Red auroras, unlike their more common green counterparts, appear at higher altitudes above 124 miles (200 kilometers).

Pettit, known for his captivating space photography, has built a reputation for his ability to capture the beauty of space in all its glory. His work from this most recent mission has been compiled by Digital Trends, offering viewers a chance to witness the awe-inspiring sights he experienced from his vantage point 250 miles above the Earth.

The red color of the aurora, as seen from the ISS, is unlikely to appear as strong a red to those watching from the ground. Pettit once described a red aurora as, "The sun goes burp and the atmosphere turns red."

Digital Trends marked the end of Pettit's most recent mission by gathering his best work from the preceding seven months. The collection offers a breathtaking journey through space, showcasing the beauty and complexity of the universe. It is highly recommended to check out this compilation to fully appreciate Pettit's work.

Auroras are natural light displays in Earth's sky caused by charged particles from the solar wind colliding with atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere. While green auroras are more common, red auroras occur as a result of specific atmospheric conditions.

Pettit has been to orbit four times throughout his career, and his latest mission marks another significant addition to his impressive space resume. Despite the lack of specific information about his age at the end of his last mission, his contributions to space exploration continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.