Zena Cardman, the commander of NASA's SpaceX Crew-11 mission, recently shared a breathtaking view of the northern lights from the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, which launched on August 1, 2025, offers a unique vantage point to witness phenomena that often go unnoticed from the ground. During an orbital daytime, Cardman filmed this mesmerizing display of auroras illuminated by charged particles colliding with Earth’s atmosphere.

In her captivating video, viewers are treated to a blend of glowing greens and purples, brought to life against the backdrop of city lights from major urban areas like Houston and New Orleans. As the video progresses, the ISS travels southwest, revealing a soft glimmer of light where sunrise begins, further enhancing the ethereal experience.

On social media, Cardman mentioned that while she has yet to see the aurora from below, experiencing it from above is a frequent occurrence. She challenged her audience to spot Houston and Florida alongside the dancing lights of the aurora, emphasizing the incredible harmony of natural events. The response to her post was overwhelmingly positive, with viewers expressing awe at how multiple atmospheric phenomena could coexist in a single moment.

An aurora is formed when solar wind particles interact with the gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere, creating a light display full of vivid colors. Typically, oxygen gives rise to greens and reds, while nitrogen contributes shades of purple and blue. This captivating phenomenon is known as the aurora borealis in the Northern Hemisphere and aurora australis in the Southern Hemisphere.

The opportunity to see such cosmic displays from the ISS not only inspires a sense of wonder but also deepens our understanding of Earth’s environmental dynamics. Zena Cardman’s stunning footage serves as a reminder of the beauty surrounding our planet while inviting viewers to appreciate the spectacular displays nature has to offer.