How is the central core of the Milky Way described when viewed from the International Space Station (ISS)?

A vivid, magnificent structure appearing especially spectacular

Astronauts report that the brightest region of the Milky Way—its central core—is far from being the faint, indistinct feature often seen from Earth. Instead, due to the complete lack of atmospheric interference between the observer and the galaxy, the central core manifests as a vivid and magnificent structure. The light intensity is high enough that it moves beyond being a mere smudge, presenting itself as a truly spectacular sight. Images taken from orbit confirm this observation, showing the galaxy's light starkly contrasted against the absolute blackness encountered outside the Earth's illuminated horizon, confirming its brilliant appearance.