NASA Celestial Ballet: In its continuous pursuit of unraveling the mysteries of the universe, NASA consistently treats space enthusiasts to breathtaking images captured from the International Space Station (ISS). The latest gem shared on NASA’s Instagram showcases Earth’s airglow delicately tracing the planet’s horizon, with the Moon above. This mesmerizing snapshot was taken on November 14, 2023, from the ISS orbiting 260 miles above the midwestern United States.
Describing the ethereal scene, NASA provided insights: “A view of Earth from the space station during orbital night. The Moon is above Earth, nearly centered above the surface. An airglow outlines the atmosphere above the Earth’s surface in a yellow shade. Lights from cities dot Earth’s surface – among them, a concentration of lights near the horizon identifies the city of Chicago, while the concentration of lights closer to the bottom left identifies Denver.”
The phenomenon known as airglow occurs when atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere, excited by sunlight, emit light to shed their excess energy. While similar in appearance, NASA emphasizes that auroras and airglow result from different processes. Auroras are driven by high-energy particles from the solar wind, while airglow is sparked by daily solar radiation.
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Studying airglow provides insights into the upper atmosphere’s temperature, density, and composition. It also aids in understanding how particles move through the region, as high-altitude winds sweep through the ionosphere, influencing global patterns.
Shared just two days ago, the image has already garnered over 780,000 likes and numerous comments expressing awe and admiration. Users have described the photo as “amazing” and “beautiful,” with one person even likening the experience to being in a movie.
This recent visual spectacle follows NASA’s tradition of sharing awe-inspiring glimpses of the cosmos, offering a unique perspective that fosters a deeper appreciation for the wonders of our universe.