{
  "id": 1985388,
  "title": "What beats seeing eclipses from space? Try the northern and southern lights",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/what-beats-seeing-eclipses-from-space-try-the-northern-and-southern",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-19T17:53:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Associated Press",
    "slug": "associated-press",
    "url": "https://apnews.com/article/nasa-astronauts-space-station-eclipse-a7dc68c9f0598e39be7513a7a4c8591b"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway have shared that witnessing the northern and southern lights from the International Space Station far surpasses seeing solar eclipses. During a recent partial solar eclipse, they couldn't see the total event due to the station's orbital position, but they were still able to witness a partial eclipse. They expressed excitement for the next lunar eclipse, hoping for an impressive display. Meir emphasized that the auroras, particularly the green dancing aurora close to the Earth's surface, are the most captivating cosmic phenomena. The current period of low solar activity has made these lights more vibrant and striking. Meir, the space station commander, recounted a particularly awe-inspiring moment when the green aurora seemed to dance right beneath them, resembling a snake moving along the exterior of the station. In addition to their astronomical observations, Meir has also indulged in culinary delights in orbit, preparing meals and donning a space-themed apron, while her fellow crew member Anil Menon made his debut as a chef on the \"Chez ISS\" cooking show.",
  "summary": "CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Eclipses may be wondrous, but nothing beats seeing the northern and southern lights from space. That’s the word Wednesday from a pair of NASA astronauts living aboard the International…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "What beats seeing eclipses from space? Try the northern and southern lights",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/what-beats-seeing-eclipses-from-space-try-the-northern-and-southern-1985557",
        "published": "2026-08-19T17:48:28.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}