ISS Astronauts Capture Lunar Eclipse, Aurora, Moon Phenomena

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have recently captured remarkable images and videos of lunar and atmospheric phenomena, providing unique perspectives on celestial events. NASA astronaut Zena Cardman shared a challenging-to-capture video showing a mirage of the moon caused by atmospheric refraction and Rayleigh scattering, illustrating complex light distortions visible from space. Cardman, along with fellow ISS astronauts Jonny Kim and Kimiya Yui, also photographed a total lunar eclipse from orbit, overcoming difficulties such as the station’s limited window angles and light distortions through ISS cupola glass. These images reveal Earth’s shadow sweeping across the moon, offering both scientific insight and public fascination. Meanwhile, Boise State University planted a “moon tree” Douglas fir seedling grown from seeds that orbited the moon on NASA’s Artemis I mission, continuing a legacy started during the Apollo era to study space’s effects on plant life. Additionally, astronauts have documented stunning views of the aurora borealis alongside moonrises over North America, highlighting the ongoing solar maximum phase causing increased solar activity and spectacular atmospheric displays.