A new timelapse sequence captured from the International Space Station has offered a rare and detailed view of the aurora australis, or Southern Lights. The footage, released by NASA on Tuesday, shows shimmering curtains of green and red light dancing across the Antarctic sky, a phenomenon caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with Earth’s magnetic field. Scientists have described the display as a reminder of the planet’s magnetic shield, which protects life from solar radiation.
The timelapse was compiled from images taken over several orbits during a period of heightened solar activity. Analysts note that such visualisations serve not only scientific purposes but also underscore the fragility of this natural defence against space weather.
