NASA releases stunning 'space photo' of Aurora Australis, the lesser-known sister of Aurora Borealis

NASA has shared a stunning new image of the Aurora Australis, offering a perspective on the Southern Lights that few will ever see in person. The photograph, taken by astronaut Nichole Ayers on June 12, 2025, shows the vibrant green arcs of the aurora glowing above the Indian Ocean as the International Space Station orbited 269 miles (432.91 km) above the planet.

While its northern counterpart, the Aurora Borealis, is a famous tourist attraction, the Aurora Australis remains one of the world’s most elusive light shows. This is due to geography — the southern aurora is centered over the vast, uninhabited continent of Antarctica and the surrounding oceans. Unlike the Northern Hemisphere, there are very few accessible landmasses within the prime viewing zone, making it difficult to see from the ground.

For those determined enough to try, the hunt for the Southern Lights is a significant challenge. The most reliable viewing spots are on the extreme southern edges of the globe. These include Stewart Island in New Zealand, Tasmania in Australia, and the southern tip of South America. However, even from these prime locations, the aurora often appears as a faint glow on the horizon, and unpredictable weather can often spoil the view.

The best time to attempt a viewing is during the long, dark nights of the Southern Hemisphere’s autumn and winter, from March through September. The lack of daylight during this season provides the dark canvas needed for the aurora’s faint light to shine.

Because of these challenges, images like this one from the Crew Earth Observations team aboard the space station are invaluable. For most of the world, photos captured by astronauts with handheld cameras offer the only way to witness the full glory of this beautiful and remote celestial phenomenon.