Auroras Above Andromeda: A Glimpse from the ISS

Prepare to be mesmerized by a view that transcends our earthly perspective. During Expedition 72 aboard the International Space Station, an extraordinary time exposure captured not only the majestic Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and the Pinwheel Galaxy (M33) in Triangulum but also the subtle dance of light above our planet.

A Symphony of Light

The vibrant red hues painting the upper atmosphere are a fascinating combination of f-region atmospheric airglow, a natural emission of light from the Earth's upper atmosphere, and the captivating colors of aurora. These auroral displays, tinged with red and green, were observed as the sun was preparing to rise, adding another layer of wonder to the scene.

Earthly Streaks and Stellar Pinpoints

Below, the tell-tale streaks of city lights on Earth serve as a reminder of our home planet, a stark contrast to the serene expanse of space. The image is made even more remarkable by the use of a handmade sidereal drive, a testament to ingenuity in space. This custom tracking system expertly compensates for the ISS's orbital speeds, ensuring that the distant stars appear as sharp, unwavering pinpoints, rather than elongated streaks.

Technical Brilliance

This breathtaking image was captured using a Nikon Z9 camera paired with a Nikon 50mm f1.2 lens. The exposure details are as follows: 10 seconds at f1.2 and ISO 6400. Post-processing in Photoshop involved adjustments to levels, gamma, contrast, and color to bring out the full splendor of the captured moment.

Follow the Journey

For more incredible images from the vantage point of space, be sure to follow the astronaut's work on and .