Astronaut Kimiya Yui recently shared an incredible timelapse video from the International Space Station (ISS), showcasing the stunning sights of low-Earth orbit. It marked Yui’s 300th day in space during his second mission with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Unfortunately, this mission will cut short due to a medical issue with another astronaut from the SpaceX Crew-11 launch.
In his post on social media platform X, Yui expressed his gratitude for the experience, sharing, “As a token of gratitude for allowing me to have such a precious experience over 300 days, I’d like to introduce a slightly unusual timelapse from the window.” You can watch the video here.
The timelapse begins with a beautiful display of zodiacal light, created as sunlight reflects off dust particles in space. This light beautifully contrasts with the vibrant colors of Earth below. Yui’s footage also captures the mesmerizing green auroras swirling in the upper atmosphere, alongside the bright stars from various constellations.
Did you know that these phenomena aren’t just pretty to watch? They can tell scientists a lot about Earth’s atmosphere and space weather. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the occurrence of auroras can increase during periods of heightened solar activity, which varies over an 11-year cycle. This means that every so often, we have the chance to see even more spectacular light shows!
The video also features the Pleiades star cluster, visibly descending towards the ISS. This remarkable view highlights the unique position of the ISS, orbiting around our planet at 17,500 miles per hour. Observers from the ground sometimes describe the sight of the ISS as a bright moving star crossing the sky, a reminder of the human journey into space.
If you’re curious about the ISS, there are plenty of resources online. Check out this detailed overview of everything you need to know about the ISS. You can also catch live feeds showing the stunning views astronauts experience every day in space.
Yui’s timelapse is not just a glimpse into the beauty of our planet but also a reminder of our ongoing exploration of space and the importance of sharing these experiences with everyone back on Earth.
