NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick captured a striking image of a Russian Soyuz spacecraft against the backdrop of a green aurora from the International Space Station (ISS). This remarkable photograph was taken during Expedition 71 in 2024, as the ISS orbited the Earth. Dominick shared the image on X, noting the aurora's proximity due to recent solar activity.
The photograph highlights the Soyuz spacecraft, illuminated by light from the sun that was just beginning to rise behind the camera, creating a unique visual contrast. The green aurora in the background is caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with Earth's atmosphere. These particles excite oxygen molecules, resulting in the characteristic green glow often associated with auroras.
The photo, taken with specific camera settings (1/4s, f1.4, 50mm, ISO 6400), was carefully composed to capture the Soyuz without overwhelming the delicate auroral light. Dominick, a member of SpaceX's Crew-8 mission, which arrived at the ISS in March 2024, has become known for his photography skills.
During his six-month mission, he has taken an estimated 200,000 photos, documenting everything from spacecraft docked at the ISS to natural phenomena like meteors and auroras. His photos serve both scientific purposes, such as Earth observation and ISS maintenance, and offer a glimpse into the awe-inspiring views astronauts experience in space. Dominick's passion for photography is evident in his work, as he often uses his free time to.
