Lunar New Year fireworks seen from orbit | Space photo of the day for Feb. 19, 2026
Space.com
by Anthony Wood February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
NASA astronaut Chris Williams shared mesmerizing footage of Lunar New Year fireworks over Beijing captured from the International Space Station (ISS), offering a unique perspective on Earth's celebrations. The video, taken during the night of February 17, 2026, showcased the vibrant fireworks display against the backdrop of Beijing and Tianjin cities illuminated by their networks of highways and urban centers. Williams, currently aboard the ISS, documented this event with a time-lapse video titled "Happy Year of the Horse," highlighting the blend of traditional Chinese New Year festivities and space exploration.
The imagery was captured through the Cupola window of the ISS, providing a stunning view of Earth's surface from 250 miles above. The video revealed the intricate details of Beijing and Tianjin cities, with fireworks adding a dynamic element to the otherwise static night sky. Williams' post on X accompanying the video shared his excitement about witnessing this spectacle while reflecting on the cultural significance of Lunar New Year celebrations.
In addition to the fireworks display, Williams noted the presence of several spacecraft visible in the frame. The Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft NG-23 and the MS-28 Soyuz spacecraft were prominent in the footage. These spacecraft, along with their respective crews, represent the ongoing collaboration in space exploration, despite challenges faced by Russian missions, such as the damage to Baikonur Cosmodrome's launch pad.
The inclusion of festive decorations and a music video titled "Let the Five-Star Red Flag Fly High in Space" by Chinese taikonauts Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang aboard the Tiangong Space Station further emphasized the cultural exchange and camaraderie among astronauts from different nations. This blend of tradition and technology not only highlights the human aspect of space exploration but also underscores the importance of international cooperation in advancing space missions.
The imagery captured by Williams serves as a reminder of how space exploration can transcend borders, offering unique perspectives on global events and fostering cultural connections. By sharing such content, astronauts like Williams contribute to public engagement and inspire future generations about the possibilities of human spaceflight and the unifying potential
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Originally published on Space.com on 2/19/2026