                        Astronomy Picture of the Day

    Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our
      fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation
                    written by a professional astronomer.

                               2026 January 1

                               Auroral Corona
                     Image Credit & Copyright: Roi Levi

   Explanation: Cycle 25 solar maximum made 2025 a great year for aurora
   borealis (or aurora australis) on planet Earth. And the high level of
   solar activity should extend into 2026. So, while you're celebrating
   the arrival of the new year, check out this spectacular auroral display
   that erupted in starry night skies over Kirkjufell, Iceland. The
   awesome auroral corona, energetic curtains of light streaming from
   directly overhead, was witnessed during a strong geomagnetic storm
   triggered by intense solar activity near the March 2025 equinox. This
   northland and skyscape captures the evocative display in a 21 frame
   panoramic mosaic.

                      Tomorrow's picture: solar sailing
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       Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
            NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply.
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                             & Michigan Tech. U.

