Matthew Dominick, currently aboard the ISS, recorded a dazzling timelapse of the aurora from his vantage point on the Dragon Endeavour spacecraft, which is currently docked at the station.
Seeing an aurora from the ground is captivating, but witnessing it from space transforms it into an extraordinary spectacle. While most of us may never get the chance to see the aurora from above, NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy Commander Matthew Dominick has offered us a breathtaking view. Dominick recently shared stunning footage of the October 7-8 aurora, captured from the International Space Station (ISS), allowing the world a glimpse of this celestial wonder as seen from orbit.
A Stunning Timelapse from the ISS
Matthew Dominick, currently aboard the ISS, recorded a dazzling timelapse of the aurora from his vantage point on the Dragon Endeavour spacecraft, which is currently docked at the station. The footage, shared online, captures vibrant ribbons of green, red, and purple lights dancing across the horizon of Earth’s curved surface. The vivid colors and flowing patterns seem almost surreal when viewed from space, creating an ethereal scene that feels both familiar and entirely new.
For most of us grounded on Earth, such a sight is beyond reach, but Dominick’s shared video gives us the chance to experience this natural phenomenon from the extraordinary perspective of space. It’s a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us, often invisible from the ground.
Red and green aurora appear to dance in a timelapse as we flyby looking out Dragon Endeavour’s window with Dragon Freedom in view.
We shot a couple thousand images yesterday trying to get the settings, lighting, and framing just right across multiple orbital nights because the… pic.twitter.com/Y3IhlqTNrO
— Matthew Dominick (@dominickmatthew) October 8, 2024
Perfecting the Shot
Capturing this awe-inspiring view was no simple task. Dominick, alongside the rest of the ISS crew, took thousands of photos in their effort to find the perfect settings and angles to record the aurora. They used specialized camera equipment to adjust for the station’s movement and the changing light conditions, ultimately creating a timelapse that highlights both the astronauts’ technical expertise and their desire to share such spectacular moments with the rest of us.
The result is a remarkable visual journey—one that transports viewers into space to witness the magic of an aurora from an angle few will ever see.
A Delayed Homecoming Leads to a Rare Opportunity
Dominick’s scheduled return to Earth was initially set for October 7, along with the rest of Crew-8. However, due to the approaching Hurricane Milton, NASA and SpaceX delayed their reentry until at least October 13. This unexpected change of plans gave Dominick an extended stay aboard the ISS and the chance to capture this rare footage.
Reflecting on the situation, Dominick shared on X (formerly Twitter), “This is the view from the window tonight. I miss my family and friends, but we would have missed this incredible aurora if we had undocked today.” His sentiment captures the bittersweet nature of space travel—the longing for home balanced with the privilege of witnessing such incredible sights.
A Rare Perspective on Earth’s Natural Beauty
Matthew Dominick’s footage offers a rare glimpse into the awe-inspiring beauty of an aurora as seen from space, reminding us of the grandeur and mystery that surrounds our planet. While few of us will ever experience space firsthand, moments like these bring the wonders of the universe a little closer, allowing us to marvel at Earth’s beauty through the eyes of those lucky enough to explore beyond our atmosphere.
