SUMMARY
NASA astronaut Jessica Meir captured a striking image of the Aurora Australis from the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5, 2026. The photograph, taken with a Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera, features the swirling lights against the curve of the Earth and clouds. This marks one of the first uses of a mirrorless camera in space, as such equipment requires rigorous testing. Meir utilized a slow shutter speed, wide aperture, and high ISO to capture sufficient light in the dark environment.
TAKEAWAYS
Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera used aboard the ISS.
Aurora Australis photographed from 271 miles above the Indian Ocean.
Image combines auroral lights with Earth's curvature and clouds.
Astronaut Jessica Meir took the photo through an ISS window.