Astronaut photographs Aurora Australis from the International Space Station
@Citizen_Stuart (2016)
June 29, 2010 5:26pm CST
I found this posted on CollectSpace:
"An astronaut on board the International Space Station has snapped a rare sight to share with mere earthlings - the Aurora Australis as seen from space.
The photo of the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) was taken during a geomagnetic storm on May 29 that was most likely caused by an ejection of plasma from the Sun five days earlier."
If it looks that impressive in a picture, imagine seeing it for real!
1 response
@ElicBxn (64176)
• United States
30 Jun 10
oooo, the Southern Lights!
Ya know, Maggiepie was writing a story in the early 1980's and we were wondering, for the story's sake, if they had them.
So, we called up the McDonald Observatory.
In the middle of the night - I mean MIDDLE of the night - like 2 a.m.
She was kind of like... but its the middle of the night, I said - they are looking at the STARS, not a day job... 
She asked if they were busy, and the nice guy on the other end said, no, it was a cloudy night.
She then got to ask her question and chatted with him, until I reminded her it was long distance, even on night rates!
She asked if they were busy, and the nice guy on the other end said, no, it was a cloudy night.
She then got to ask her question and chatted with him, until I reminded her it was long distance, even on night rates!1 person likes this
@Citizen_Stuart (2016)
•
30 Jun 10
I had the same thought at first, what an antisocial time to call them, but of course then I realised that 2am is normal working hours for astronomers! Good story, thanks for replying.
1 person likes this
