NASA Features Image of Earth Under Green Northern Lights at Icelandic Geothermal Site

NASA News Releases provided an image depicting Planet Earth during a dark and stormy night, captured at Hverir in northeastern Iceland, showcasing greenish northern lights caused by geomagnetic storms.

Assembled News DeskOctober 31, 20261 min read

AI illustration based on reference photographs; not an event photograph. A dark, rugged geothermal landscape with venting steam beneath a vibrant green and white aurora in the night sky. — AI-generated illustration

According to NASA News Releases, an image titled Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) shows a ghostly depiction of Planet Earth on a dark and stormy night. This scene was captured at Hverir, a region in northeastern Iceland known for its geothermally active landscape.

Geomagnetic storms, which were initiated by solar activity, have released energetic particles that are held within Earth's magnetic field. These particles penetrate the upper atmosphere at high latitudes, resulting in auroral displays visible against the starry night sky. Ghostly columns of steam and gas are seen venting from nearby fumaroles, appearing to dance against the eerie, greenish northern lights.

NASA News Releases noted that auroral activity on Planet Earth is currently at a high level, as the Sun is only in the early stages of declining from the peak of its solar activity cycle. The image was dated October 31, 2026, and credited to Stéphane Vetter (Nuits sacrées).

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