Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => In the Media... => Topic started by: mickw on Jun 21, 2010, 22:02:53

Title: Amazing Aurora Seen From Space
Post by: mickw on Jun 21, 2010, 22:02:53
A spectacular display of Earth's southern auroras was captured on camera by astronauts on the International Space Station during a recent solar storm.

The dazzling aurora has a sinuous ribbon shape that separates into discrete spots near the lower right corner of the image. While the dominant coloration of the aurora is green, there are faint suggestions of red left of the photo's center.

More:   Aurora (http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/amazing-aurora-seen-from-space-100621.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+spaceheadlines+(SPACE.com+Headline+Feed))
Title: Re: Amazing Aurora Seen From Space
Post by: doug on Jun 22, 2010, 08:18:06

     That is an amazing picture, but ....... how come there are stars visible in the image?  There are usually no stars seen in photographs from space, or are they something else.....

     Doug.
Title: Re: Amazing Aurora Seen From Space
Post by: Carole on Jun 22, 2010, 08:33:22
QuoteThere are usually no stars seen in photographs from space
I think you'll find there are Doug see below
(http://www.universetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/aurora-iss-580x386.jpg)

Also what about hubble?
Title: Re: Amazing Aurora Seen From Space
Post by: Mike on Jun 22, 2010, 10:04:00
Most Aurora images are long exposures so stars should show up
Title: Re: Amazing Aurora Seen From Space
Post by: doug on Jun 23, 2010, 09:14:16

     Thanks. Point taken.  But can the astronauts see the stars from the ISS windows ???????  THAT would be something to see. would it not?

     Doug.
Title: Re: Amazing Aurora Seen From Space
Post by: Mac on Jun 23, 2010, 18:33:30
QuoteThanks. Point taken.  But can the astronauts see the stars from the ISS windows ???????  THAT would be something to see. would it not?

Yup the stars are visible in space all the time.

So long as they are not looking in the direction of the sun. (i.e its behind them)
then they will see whatever stars are there.

There is no atmosphere in space, so there is no refraction of light, i.e. the sky is black as opposed to blue. and the light is not deflected / diffracted.

Place a disk the same relative size as the sun over the sun, and it will block out its light.

then the stars near to the sun will be visible.

Mac.
Title: Re: Amazing Aurora Seen From Space
Post by: Tony G on Jun 23, 2010, 18:58:23
Quote from: Mac on Jun 23, 2010, 18:33:30
So long as they are not looking in the direction of the sun.

And they're not sitting in the ISS above southern England, because of the clouds. ;)

Tony G