Stunning Photo Captured by International Space Station Shows Earth Covered in Golden Glow
The Earth’s atmosphere is filled with incredible natural phenomena, some of which can only be fully appreciated from space. One such phenomenon is airglow, a subtle yet beautiful emissions of light from the planet’s atmosphere. Recently, the International Space Station (ISS) captured a breathtaking photo of the Earth covered in a golden glow, showcasing the stunning beauty of airglow.
Airglow occurs when charged particles in the Earth’s upper atmosphere interact with sunlight, producing a very weak emitted light. The interaction of sunlight with atoms and molecules in the atmosphere creates a beautiful display of colors, with the most common being a golden glow caused by atmospheric sodium particles and a red glow caused by the reaction of oxygen, nitrogen, and hydroxyl ions at high altitudes.
The ISS captured the mesmerizing photo on January 21, 2024, from an altitude of 415 kilometers above the ground while flying over the Pacific Ocean northeast of Papua New Guinea. The image shows layers of bright golden glow and auburn bands of light hanging above the Earth’s horizon, creating a stark contrast with the starry background.
Airglow is more common during solar maximum periods when solar activity heats the Earth’s upper atmosphere and causes more collisions, leading to increased brightness in airglow. Research indicates that airglow can increase by up to 40% during periods of solar maximum activity.
The stunning photo captured by the ISS provides a rare glimpse of the beauty of airglow, showcasing the Earth’s atmosphere in all its glory. It serves as a reminder of the incredible natural wonders that can only be fully appreciated from the vantage point of space.