NASA astronaut Jeff Williams filmed a time-lapse aurora video in which the dazzling light effect illuminates the Canadarm2 on the International Space Station. Though many have filmed and photographed auroras on Earth, this is the first aurora video from the perspective of space, and it's even more remarkable when the effect isn't diffused by the Earth's atmosphere.
The video, which captures the Aurora Australis (better known as the Southern Lights,) was shot over the course of hours and condensed into a 33 second time-lapse. The lights, which are caused by distrubances in the Earth's magnetosphere due to solar winds, are so bright that they light up the Canadarm2 by the end of the sequence.
While the astronaut's aurora video is the first of its kind, forays into commercial space travel in the near future could increase the commonality of videos just like it.
What's Driving This Trend
- Space-based Aurora Footage
- As space travel becomes more accessible, entrepreneurs can leverage this trend by creating new, innovative ways to capture and distribute space-based aurora footage.
- Aurora Tourism
- As the allure of auroras continues to grow, the tourism industry can offer aurora-focused trips that include space-based aurora viewing.
- Aurora Science Advancements
- As more scientific research is conducted on auroras, tech companies can explore opportunities for new products and technologies that utilize aurora data.
Who This Affects Most
- Space Travel
- Commercial space travel companies can leverage the trend towards space-based aurora footage to attract customers seeking unique experiences.
- Tourism
- The tourism industry can capitalize on space-based aurora footage to offer a new and exciting type of aurora-focused trip.
- Technology
- Tech companies can utilize advancements in aurora research to develop innovative products and technologies that leverage aurora data.
