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Mesmerizing Aurora Captured by NASA Astronaut on iPhone from ISS

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9 seconds ago

October 15, 2026

ISS Anil Menon Northern Lights shot on iPhone

In a groundbreaking move earlier this year, NASA changed its policy to allow modern smartphones on board spacecraft. This change has enabled astronauts to capture stunning images using just their phones, as demonstrated by NASA astronaut Anil Menon who recently photographed the northern lights from the International Space Station using an iPhone.

Traditionally, equipment taken into space must undergo rigorous testing over several years to ensure it can withstand the harsh conditions of space travel. However, NASA’s decision to permit smartphones on board has opened up new possibilities for capturing images. Not long after the announcement, Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman shared a video of Earth from the Moon using an iPhone 17 Pro Max.

On October 10, Menon shared a breathtaking photo on X, showcasing a weekend of geomagnetic storms from the ISS. The image captures the Earth at night surrounded by pink, purple, and red auroras in the upper atmosphere, with city lights below. The ISS solar panels and docked spacecraft are also visible, illuminated by the auroras.

The specific model of iPhone used for the photo is unknown. Menon has been aboard the ISS for approximately 90 days as part of Expedition 75, which launched on July 14, 2026. The iPhone 17 series was the latest model available at the time of launch, but the iPhone 18 Pro was released shortly before SpaceX Crew-13 arrived at the ISS on October 1.

Historically, NASA astronauts have relied on bulky Nikon DSLR cameras for photography. However, the iPhone 17 Pro Max famously replaced a DSLR on the Artemis II mission in 2016, marking a shift towards using smartphones for space photography.

Apple introduced Night mode to the iPhone 11 Camera app in 2019, which has since been expanded to include features like selfies, time-lapse, and Portrait mode. This technology has enabled astronauts like Menon to capture stunning images from space using their smartphones.

Whether filming the Moon from lunar orbit or capturing auroras above Earth, astronauts now have powerful camera technology at their fingertips. The same technology is available to everyone with an iPhone, offering the opportunity to explore the capabilities of their device after dark.

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