The Glow of Major Cities from Space

Captured from the mesmerizing vantage point of the International Space Station, this striking image reveals the radiant glow of major cities in western North America as night falls. The bright yellow areas prominently feature urban giants like Portland and Seattle, alongside Canadian metropolises Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary.

Moonrise: A Celestial Spectacle

Highlighted near the center of the image is the Moon, gracefully rising above Earth's horizon. Astronauts aboard the space station experience this magnificent view multiple times daily, orbiting Earth at a staggering speed of about 28,000 kilometers per hour (17,500 miles per hour). In fact, they witness approximately 16 breathtaking moonrises and moonsets every 24 hours!

Weather's Impact on Earth's Night Sky

Unfortunately, observers on the ground in Seattle and Vancouver likely miss the lunar spectacle due to adverse weather conditions. Cloud cover and pervasive light pollution can greatly obscure views of the stars, auroras, and satellites. From the heights of the space station, city lights under cloud coverage take on a hazy appearance, contrasting sharply with the more vivid twinkles of brighter cities like Edmonton and Calgary. The deep darkness of the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Cascade Range serve as a dramatic backdrop to the city’s lively skyline.

The Dazzling Auroras: Nature's Light Show

Adding to the visual splendor is the enchanting green aurora, caused by charged particles from the Sun colliding with Earth’s upper atmosphere. This breathtaking phenomenon is predominantly observed near the poles, where the planet’s magnetic field attracts solar particles. During periods of heightened solar activity, such as the ongoing maximum phase of the solar cycle which began in mid-2024, the auroras may even stretch to lower latitudes on clear, dark nights. In an extraordinary occurrence, auroras were spotted as far south as central Mexico! This remarkable cycle is predicted to continue through 2025, offering many more opportunities to witness these celestial wonders.