NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick, who’s presently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), has shared a formidable timelapse video of the occasion. The footage reveals the moon setting in opposition to a backdrop of putting crimson and inexperienced auroras, adopted by a dawn that casts a tender blue mild on the Soyuz spacecraft. This timelapse was captured utilizing an Arri Zeiss 15mm lens mounted on a Nikon Z9, which was just lately delivered to the ISS by the Cygnus cargo spacecraft.
We’re in the midst of an intense geomagnetic storm! 🌎🧲💥
A sequence of photo voltaic eruptions arriving at Earth are triggering widespread auroras. Here’s what NASA house climate analyst Carina Alden noticed final evening as she traveled by Michigan and Wisconsin! pic.twitter.com/qrpdkva4Vj
— NASA Sun & Space (@NASASun) August 12, 2024
Solar flares, also called coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are accountable for these geomagnetic storms. These flares happen when an unstable magnetic subject on the Sun’s floor releases charged particles into house. The depth of those occasions is measured on a scale from G1 to G5, with G5 being essentially the most extreme. A G5 flare was recorded earlier this yr, resulting in vital disruptions in energy grids, GPS, and radio communications.
When these charged particles collide with Earth’s environment, they work together with atmospheric gases, creating the northern lights, or aurora borealis. This present geomagnetic storm, categorized as G2, is anticipated to persist till August 14. During this era, the auroras will proceed to be seen, offering a exceptional show of pure magnificence.
Although the storm poses sure challenges, resembling potential impacts on expertise and infrastructure, it additionally provides an opportunity to expertise certainly one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena. The ongoing auroras function a surprising reminder of the dynamic interactions between our planet and photo voltaic exercise.
