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Spectacular Aurora Displays Captured by NASA Astronaut from Space
Stunning views of Earth’s auroras have been unveiled in newly released videos from space. NASA astronaut Don Pettit, stationed aboard the International Space Station (ISS), recently recorded these mesmerizing natural light shows, offering a unique perspective from orbit.
Astronaut Don Pettit Shares Aurora Australis Footage
One captivating video, shared on social media platform X on April 4th, showcases the aurora australis, or southern lights, gracefully dancing beneath the orbiting laboratory. This celestial display unfolded as the ISS traversed the expanse above the frigid waters between Australia and Antarctica. The phenomenon, commonly known as auroras, presents a different visual spectacle when observed from space, as these videos vividly illustrate.
‘Green Vaporous Turbulence’ Video Released
In a subsequent video posted on April 5th, Pettit documented striking “green vaporous turbulence” shimmering above an undisclosed region of the planet. This awe-inspiring footage further exemplifies the beauty of Earth’s atmospheric phenomena as seen from the vantage point of the International Space Station.
Pettit’s History of Space Photography
Don Pettit, a veteran NASA astronaut and the agency’s oldest active astronaut at 69, is celebrated among space enthusiasts for his exceptional space photography and scientific experiments conducted off-planet. He frequently shares his work and observations with the public through social media, offering glimpses into life and science aboard the ISS.
Creative Experiments in Orbit
Pettit’s ingenuity extends beyond photography. In October, he ingeniously utilized food coloring to transform a small water sphere into a miniature gas-giant planet replica, complete with captivating cloud bands. Further demonstrating his observational skills, in November, he skillfully captured an image of SpaceX’s Starship megarocket’s sixth test flight, documenting the enormous vehicle’s atmospheric trail.
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Recent ISS Mission and Astronaut’s Experience
Pettit’s current mission to the ISS commenced in September with his arrival aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, accompanied by cosmonauts Aleksey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner. The trio is anticipated to return to Earth later in April.
Veteran Astronaut’s Multiple Spaceflights
This journey marks Pettit’s fourth mission to the International Space Station. He previously resided on the orbiting outpost for extended durations from 2002 to 2003 and again from 2011 to 2012. He also participated in a two-week mission to the station in 2008, accumulating substantial experience in space.