NASA Captures Breathtaking Aurora Display Over Europe
A spectacular display of colorful lights, visible from thousands of miles away, has captivated astronomers and Earth observers alike. The International Space Station (ISS), orbiting 262 miles above the Mediterranean Sea, captured a stunning photograph of the aurora borealis on January 19, 2026.
Also known as the northern or southern lights, this phenomenon is a result of energetic particles from space colliding with atoms and molecules in our atmosphere. The resulting dance of light and energy creates breathtaking displays that can be seen from locations across Europe, illuminated by the city lights below.
The ISS's unique vantage point allowed NASA photographer Chris Williams to capture a striking image of the aurora streaming across the horizon above Italy and Germany. As the stars aligned on January 19, an extraordinary green and red display was visible in the night sky.
A spectacular display of colorful lights, visible from thousands of miles away, has captivated astronomers and Earth observers alike. The International Space Station (ISS), orbiting 262 miles above the Mediterranean Sea, captured a stunning photograph of the aurora borealis on January 19, 2026.
Also known as the northern or southern lights, this phenomenon is a result of energetic particles from space colliding with atoms and molecules in our atmosphere. The resulting dance of light and energy creates breathtaking displays that can be seen from locations across Europe, illuminated by the city lights below.
The ISS's unique vantage point allowed NASA photographer Chris Williams to capture a striking image of the aurora streaming across the horizon above Italy and Germany. As the stars aligned on January 19, an extraordinary green and red display was visible in the night sky.
just saw the most stunning pic of the northern lights taken by NASA's ISS crew and I'm literally SHAKEN 
how does it even get any more breathtaking than that?? the way those green and red hues swirl and dance across the horizon like a celestial ballet is just pure magic 
and can u believe we're living in a time where we can witness this beauty from our own backyards or at least with a decent camera 
the ISS's view of the world is just WOW, I mean what other humans have ever been able to witness that kind of beauty from 262 miles above? 
and it's not like we need to wait for some fancy space mission to see this either, it's literally visible in the night sky, just look up 
we're so lucky to be alive during this time
meanwhile there are astronomers and photographers down here on earth who've been capturing those same views for years and nobody gives them the recognition 
. Like, I've seen maps before and I know that's a pretty long distance... but at the same time, I don't think we need more accurate info when something looks this awesome.
On one hand, I love how they're sharing all this info with us and helping us appreciate the beauty of space. But on the other hand, I'm like... don't they just want to keep some things a mystery for once?
. I mean, who wouldn't want to see the northern lights in all their glory? It's like nature's own personal light show! But, um, what was I saying again?
! I mean, can you even imagine witnessing something like that in person? The idea of it being caused by particles from space colliding with our atmosphere is wild 
I mean, I know it's not possible for us to witness it live but a pic from space is next best thing! It's crazy how those particles from space can create such a stunning display of light and energy... and the ISS is literally orbiting above us! 
Wouldn't that be something?!
. What do you guys think about the aurora borealis? Have you ever seen it in person or just through pics?
I need some more info on that before I start oohing and ahhing over this photo.
. nasa is killing it with those space pics btw 
. i wish i could get to see that in person one day, either on the iss or somewhere in europe 
. Has anyone else seen vids like this or is my screen just glowing up because of the aurora's awesomeness? 
It's like the whole world is putting on a show! 
! if u missed this one, don't worry, there'll be more like it...aurora season is just around the corner 
