Astronaut shares breathtaking images of auroras from ISS after Geomagnetic storm hits Earth

European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristoretti has shared breathtaking images of auroras on Earth captured up in the sky from the International Space Station after a Geomagnetic storm hit Earth.

Cristoretti captured these stunning images of auroras around the poles of Earth from the International Space Station. (Samantha Crisoretti/ESA)

Auroras or Northern lights are shifting curtains of light in greens, blues and pinks which light up the night sky in the Northern and Southern poles. They are called Northern Lights or Aurora Borelis in the North Pole and Southern Lights or Aurora Australis in the South Pole. Auroras are often caused by Geomagnetic storms and they are a sight to behold for astronomers as well as all night-sky watchers.

European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Samantha Cristoretti has shared breathtaking images of auroras visible from space captured from the International Space Station. She wrote in a tweet, “The sun has been really active lately. Last week we saw the most stunning auroras I have ever experienced in over 300 days in space!”

This is not the first time that Cristoretti has shared stunning images of Earth captured from space. She previously shared amazing images of the lunar eclipse captured from the International Space Station back in June.

Cristoretti is part of the Crew-4 as part of the Minerva mission assigned to the International Space Station. She went into space on April 27 and is due to return back to Earth next month. Cristoretti also became famous for posting the first ever TikTok from the International Space Station.

How are Auroras formed?

According to NASA, auroras are formed due to Geomagnetic storms. The Sun releases solar flares and solar particles due to Coronal Mass Ejection (CME). The solar flares are sent hurtling towards Earth. As they reach the Earth, they interact with the Earth's atmosphere and cause the formation of Geomagnetic storms. These storms are responsible for the flashing lights in the sky.

Not just Earth, but every planet witnesses this amazing phenomenon. Just a couple of days ago, NASA shared stunning images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope which showcased auroras around the poles of Jupiter.