# Smile mission releases its stunning 1st aurora footage!

Smile mission releases its stunning 1st aurora footage!

via [EarthSky](https://earthsky.org/todays-image/smile-mission-1st-aurora-footage/)

The Smile mission has released its first stunning footage of Earth's aurora, showcasing the full ring of northern lights circling the North Pole. This footage is significant for sky-watchers because it provides a unique perspective on the aurora, highlighting the dynamic movement and energy release of substorms. The rippling and brightening of the auroral ring in the footage is a notable example of this phenomenon. Sky-watchers can look forward to more insights and images from the Smile mission, a collaboration between the European Space Agency and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

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Canonical: https://darkskiesdirectory.com/nightly-news/2026-10-09/smile-mission-releases-its-stunning-1st-aurora-footage
Updated: 2026-10-09T23:00:23.079Z