Reentering the Earth’s atmosphere may make for a bumpy ride, but it’s also a trip that provides a stunning light show.
Reentering the Earth’s atmosphere may make for a bumpy ride, but it also provides a stunning light show.
While watching footage from NASA, Gizmodo writer Attila Nagy noticed the spectacle happening outside the craft. Now, Earth-bound people can get a glimpse of space, too.
The video snippet was captured when astronaut Mike Hopkins was on a return trip from the International Space Station and pointed a camera out the craft’s window.
The video shows the sparks, brilliant flashes and overall speed experienced as the conditions around the Soyuz capsule changed.
Atmospheric reentry generally makes for dramatic moments, as the friction between a vehicle and the air around it is significant enough to engulf the craft in a burning ball of plasma.
It’s preceded by sledgehammer-like banging caused by the immense force exerted to separate the craft into 3 pieces so it can land.
Once the atmospheric barrier has been cleared, gravity begins to appear again, with a strength said to be unlike anything experienced by those on the ground.
Of course, with all of that comes a rare opportunity to catch a truly amazing sight.
