Amazing Aurora Seen From Space

[mickw]

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

[doug]

     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.

[Carole]

There are usually no stars seen in photographs from space

I think you'll find there are Doug see below


Also what about hubble?

[Mike]

Most Aurora images are long exposures so stars should show up

[doug]

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

     Doug.

[Mac]

Thanks. 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.

[Tony G]

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