Animated Aurora Borealis, from Orbit

From NYTIMES.COM/DOTEARTH: Astronaut Don Pettit created an astounding video using a sequence of still images he shot of the aurora borealis (northern lights) from the International Space Station.

For more on Dr. Pettit and the Earth from space, visit http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com

• Category

  Science & Technology

[Mordan666]

uuuh, fuck that stupid christian discussions here!!!!!!!!

[Alex2149]

why must there be a god?

why cant beautiful things just exist?

[xiaogunman]

Because 2000 years ago, that shit was the best and most logical arguement we had. Now we have science. Then we start doing space travel big time, and that brings even more to it.

[SwedenIsAwesome]

Atheists are guilty of what, exactly?

[Asdayasman]

Everyone is. This video is pure explainable science. Take your religion discussions of ALL kinds elsewhere. Preferably to face to face, so we don't have to sift through them to find good comments.

Fuck yes, 11 month smackdown. Bet you thought you were safe.

[0liverwarren]

you're a moron

[Phil S]

They aren't nearly as brilliant a sight as further north, but we could potentially see it further south than North Dakota.  However, many different factors play into seeing the Northern Lights, cloud cover, low solar flares, light pollution, etc. Normally they show as rather large columns of light that normally shouldn't be there; they only move slightly, but still an amazing display. Sort of heart-warming, really.

[allana221]

I guess you mean stupid atheist x christian discussions.

[PolishCatholic1]

Thanks for the info! And how long do you think will it take until the magnetic pole reaches Russia or even Europe? But as far as I know people never could see the Northern Lights in Central Europe :-(

[icecarvingsecrets]

The magnetic pole and the North Pole aren't in the same place. Right now, magnetic north is near Northern Canada (but it's moving towards Russia). Because magnetic north is shifted towards Canada, it's easier to see the Northern Lights in Canada or Alaska (or North Dakota) than it is in Europe or Russia. But that could change if it keeps moving towards Russia. I've seen the aurora in Fairbanks, Alaska a number of times; one of the most amazing and fascinating things I've ever seen!

[Shadow freeman]

As much as i like Canada and hate America,i have to say:FUCK YOU BITCHES KILLING POOR SEALS!

[samjenkinssam]

Very enjoyable thank you