What do auroras look like from space? From the ground, auroras dance high above clouds , frequently causing spectacular displays . The International Space Station (ISS) orbits just at the same height as many auroras , though. Therefore, sometimes it flies over them, but also sometimes it flies right through. The auroral electron and proton streams are too thin to be a danger to the ISS , just as clouds pose little danger to airplanes . ISS Science Officer Don Pettit captured a green aurora, pictured above in a digitally sharpened image. From orbit , Dr. Pettit reports, changing auroras can appear to crawl around like giant green amoebas . Far below, on planet Earth, the Manicouagan Impact Crater can be seen in northern Canada .
Have you seen today's: Space Station Science Picture of the Day ?
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Credit: Don Pettit , ISS Expedition 6 , NASA