This is what a "flamingo" aurora borealis looks like from space: the spectacle that captivated NASA

When we think of the Northern Lights , the first thing that comes to mind is dancing lights in shades of green, blue, and violet crossing the skies of the Northern Hemisphere. However, a recent video shared by NASA astronaut Don Pettit has left thousands of people speechless. It shows a rare but beautiful deep pink aurora borealis , dubbed the "flamingo" aurora due to its resemblance to the birds' plumage.

The recording has not only captivated space lovers, but has also sparked renewed interest in these atmospheric phenomena from a privileged perspective: space.

Although Don Pettit has returned to Earth, his eyes remain on the sky. This is possible thanks to a special camera he installed while aboard the International Space Station (ISS) . The device, which he dubbed the “homemade sidereal orbital camera/engine,” was designed to take automated images of the planet and its atmosphere from orbit.

Thanks to this camera, Pettit has captured hundreds of spectacular images, but none as striking as the flamingo aurora . In the video shared on social media, the ISS can be seen flying over an area where a green aurora is gradually beginning to turn bright pink , illuminating parts of the station itself.

The northern lights are the result of solar particles colliding with Earth's atmosphere, primarily oxygen and nitrogen. When this happens, photons are released, forming visible lights in the sky.

The most common color of the aurora is green, caused by oxygen atoms at an altitude of about 100 kilometers . However, when solar energy is particularly intense, these particles penetrate deeper, reaching lower layers where atmospheric density is higher, and oxygen emits red or pinkish light .

In this case, the intensity of the phenomenon was such that pink predominated in the scene , creating what Pettit described as a “ flamenco dance of cosmic lights .”

Pink auroras , or flamingos, are rare. Their formation requires specific conditions in both solar activity and the structure of the Earth's atmosphere. Furthermore, their observation from space is even more limited, making this recording of significant scientific and aesthetic value.

From a scientific perspective, the image allows us to study the interaction of the solar wind with the lower layers of the atmosphere , which could have implications for communications, GPS systems, and even the health of satellites and astronauts.

From a human perspective, it's a postcard reminder of how incredible the universe is, and how fortunate are the few who manage to capture it from above.

Don Pettit is not just an astronaut; he's also passionate about space photography and a firm believer in the power of scientific communication . Through his publications, he has brought science and space exploration to millions of people around the world, proving that the beauty of the universe can be as inspiring as technological advancements.

In a world where news from space sometimes seems distant or complex, images like this pink aurora borealis allow us to reconnect with wonder, curiosity, and the feeling of belonging to something much larger than ourselves.

The flamingo aurora captured from the ISS is not only a visual spectacle, but also a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of continuing to explore space. Thanks to astronauts like Don Pettit, we can marvel at these phenomena from a privileged perspective, while expanding our knowledge of the universe.

If you ever thought you'd seen it all when it comes to auroras, this one will change your mind: space remains a canvas full of surprises , where even the most garish pink can become an unprecedented scientific and artistic event.