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Aurora casts red and green light over Europe
Summary
A Jan. 19, 2026 photograph taken from the International Space Station shows a green and red aurora above European city lights while the station orbited about 262 miles above the Mediterranean; auroras form when energetic particles from space collide with atoms and molecules in Earth’s atmosphere.
Content
A green and red aurora streamed across Earth's horizon above the city lights of Europe on Jan. 19, 2026. The photograph looks north across Italy toward Germany and was taken from the International Space Station. At the time, the station was orbiting about 262 miles above the Mediterranean Sea at approximately 10:02 p.m. local time. Auroras are produced when energetic particles from space collide with atoms and molecules in Earth's atmosphere.
Observed details:
- Date and time: Jan. 19, 2026, captured at about 10:02 p.m. local time.
- Platform and altitude: Image taken from the International Space Station while orbiting roughly 262 miles above the Mediterranean Sea.
- Viewpoint: Photo looks north across Italy toward Germany and includes European city lights on the horizon.
- Colors: The auroral display shows both green and red emissions.
- Cause: Auroras are the result of energetic particles from space interacting with atoms and molecules in the atmosphere.
Summary:
The photograph highlights how space weather can produce vivid auroral displays visible from orbit and over populated regions. Undetermined at this time.
