While a NASA astronaut shared breathtaking views of the Northern Lights from orbit, a series of events on the ground highlighted a nation navigating political friction, economic shifts, and moments of human resilience. From high-stakes political meetings in Washington to the end of an era for American currency, the past week presented a complex picture of contemporary life.
The disparate events, ranging from a record-breaking art auction to critical travel disruptions ahead of a major holiday, underscore a period of significant activity across multiple sectors of society. These moments, both large and small, offer a snapshot of a country in constant motion.
Key Takeaways
- NASA astronaut Zena Cardman captured stunning footage of the aurora borealis from the International Space Station.
- Political tensions were highlighted by a scheduled meeting between the U.S. President and New York's mayor-elect following heated exchanges.
- The U.S. is ending production of the one-cent coin after more than 230 years due to rising manufacturing costs.
- Potential travel chaos looms as air traffic controller shortages threaten thousands of flights before the Thanksgiving holiday.
- A volcanic eruption marked its 36th episode since December 2024, fountaining for nearly five hours.
A View from Above
Far above the daily churn of terrestrial events, NASA astronaut Zena Cardman offered a serene perspective from the International Space Station. On November 17, she captured and shared remarkable footage of the aurora borealis, the vibrant light show that dances across the Earth's upper atmosphere.
"I've still never seen the aurora from below, but up here, it's a frequent show," Cardman remarked. Serving as commander for NASA's SpaceX Crew-11 mission, which launched on August 1, she has been documenting life in orbit. The footage provides a quiet counterpoint to the complexities unfolding on the planet's surface.
Natural Phenomena on Display
The week also saw powerful natural forces at work elsewhere. A volcano experienced its 36th episode since last December, with a fountaining event that lasted for nearly five hours. In a dramatic encounter at sea, a photographer captured the moment a seal sought refuge on her boat to escape a pod of hunting orcas, a raw display of the struggle for survival in the wild.
Political Landscape Marked by Tension
Back on Earth, the political climate remained charged. A highly anticipated meeting was scheduled at the White House between the sitting U.S. President and the mayor-elect of New York City. The face-to-face discussion was set against a backdrop of months of heated rhetoric between the two figures.
Former President Donald Trump also weighed in on the political landscape, attacking the New York mayor-elect's political affiliations and labeling him a communist. This continues a pattern of direct challenges that characterized his presidency, such as his frequent and public clashes with a prominent U.S. Congresswoman.
The ongoing political discord reflects a deeply polarized environment, with public discourse often spilling out in front of the press and online.
Meanwhile, in Washington D.C., lawmakers continued to debate the wider release of the so-called "Epstein files," a topic that continues to draw significant public interest and speculation about the individuals involved.
Economic and Cultural Shifts
Significant changes are also underway in the nation's economy and culture. In a move that signals the end of an era, the United States has ended the production of its one-cent coin after more than 230 years. The decision was driven by simple economics: each penny now costs nearly four cents to manufacture.
A Record-Breaking Sale
The art world witnessed a historic moment as the "Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer" sold for $236.4 million (Ā£179m), including fees. The sale makes it the second most expensive work of art ever sold at auction, highlighting the immense value placed on cultural artifacts.
In municipal politics, a major city is set to make history. A 34-year-old will be sworn in on January 1, 2026, becoming the city's first Muslim mayor and its youngest in over a century. This landmark election represents a significant shift in the city's leadership and demographics.
Challenges and Moments of Unity
Despite the divisions, the week also brought stories of resilience and community. In New York, all seven firefighters who were injured in a recent explosion are now reported to be awake, alert, and speaking. The city's fire chief confirmed that they are all expected to make a full recovery, a testament to their fortitude and the care they received.
The nation's infrastructure, however, faces pressing challenges. Airports are grappling with air traffic controller shortages, a situation exacerbated by a federal government shutdown. This shortage puts thousands of flights at risk just before the busy Thanksgiving travel period, threatening widespread disruption for millions of travelers.
In moments of solidarity, the first and second ladies visited Camp Lejeune in North Carolina to meet with troops and the children of service members. Separately, a former president made a surprise visit to greet nearly 80 veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars who were arriving on a special flight in Washington D.C., providing a memorable moment for the former service members.