The Northern Lights over the Dolomites in NASA’s photo of the day – Science and art
L’Northern Lights on Dolomites taken by the Italian astrophotographer Alessandra Masi, it was selected by NASA as the astronomical photo of the day (Apod). An aurora-like phenomenon was also captured in the image: the Sar (Stable auroral red arc), a luminous structure generated by the ring currents surrounding the Earth.
The photo, taken on January 1, 2025, is titled “A dance of light in the sky above Pieve di Cadore” and “tells a story of wonder and deep connection to the sky and Earth,” observes the astrophotographer. “The Sar arch stretching majestically overhead, and the aurora with its pillars of light dancing above the Marmarole, seem to touch the snow-capped peaks, creating almost magical moments that bring together the sky and the Earth in a silent embrace”, adds Masi.
For the astrophotographer “observe the Northern Lights at such low latitude it was aindescribable emotion. Every second was a small miracle, every shade of red in the sky told a story of mystery, energy and beauty that arises from the encounter between the Earth and the Universe. The aurora speaks a language that transcends geographical and cultural distancesuniting anyone who looks up under the same sky, wherever they are”. An emotion, he adds, experienced by Parco Roccolo di Pieve di Cadore: “every time I look out onto this viewpoint, with its breathtaking view of the Cadore Center and its beautiful lake, I feel a deep emotion, an intimate connection with the nature that surrounds me”.
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