Auroras borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, are natural light displays that usually occur near Earth's polar regions. However, they can sometimes be seen from space, where astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have captured stunning images of the phenomenon. On September 8, 2026, NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Anil Menon shared photos of auroras borealis taken from the ISS on the social media platform X. The auroras appeared as shimmering, dancing lights just above Earth, with some displaying a rare violet color. Meir expressed her amazement, noting that she had never before seen such a bright violet wavelength in an aurora, and remarked that it made her want to "kiss the sky." Menon also shared his experience, saying that in recent days, the astronauts had observed spectacular auroras borealis on every pass over North America, including one with a violet tint. Auroras borealis are caused by charged particles from the solar wind, a stream of charged particles emitted by the Sun, interacting with Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere. These particles collide with gases in the upper atmosphere, releasing energy in the form of light. The colors of the auroras are determined by the type of gas particles involved, the altitude at which the collisions occur, and the amount of energy released. Oxygen is responsible for the most common green color, while blue and violet hues are produced by nitrogen and are more rare, often linked to higher levels of solar activity. The rare violet auroras observed by the astronauts are particularly noteworthy because they indicate stronger solar activity and specific atmospheric conditions. Such events provide scientists with valuable data about the interaction between solar particles and Earth’s atmosphere. The ability to observe these phenomena from space allows for a broader perspective, revealing patterns and behaviors that may not be as visible from the ground. The images shared by Meir and Menon not only highlight the beauty of natural phenomena but also serve as a reminder of the dynamic relationship between Earth and the Sun. As solar activity fluctuates, the appearance and frequency of auroras can change, offering a unique window into space weather and its effects on our planet. These observations contribute to ongoing research and enhance our understanding of the complex processes that shape our space environment.