NASA Astronaut Captures Rare ‘Sprite’ Lightning Over US & Mexico
In a remarkable feat, NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers has captured a rare and breathtaking image of a ‘sprite’ lightning phenomenon over the United States and Mexico. The stunning photo was taken from the International Space Station (ISS) while Ayers was orbiting above the two countries.
A ‘sprite’ is a type of Transient Luminous Event (TLE), which is a brief burst of light that occurs above thunderstorms. These events are relatively rare and are often difficult to capture, making Ayers’ photo a significant achievement.
Ayers, who is a NASA astronaut and engineer, shared the photo on social media, saying, “I’m thrilled to share this rare capture of a ‘sprite’ lightning phenomenon over the US and Mexico. This type of event is known as a Transient Luminous Event (TLE) and is a brief burst of light that occurs above thunderstorms.”
The photo shows a vibrant greenish-blue glow hovering above the clouds, with a subtle wispy pattern surrounding the main light. The sprite appears to be situated above a thunderstorm, which is visible as a dark mass in the background. The ISS was in a perfect position to capture this rare event, as it orbits the Earth at an altitude of around 250 miles (400 kilometers).
Scientists are thrilled to have this new data, which can help them better understand the relationship between TLEs and thunderstorms. According to Ayers, “Scientists can use these types of photos to better understand the interaction between the upper atmosphere and thunderstorms, which can help improve forecasts and warnings for severe weather events.”
Astronauts on the ISS have been studying the Earth’s atmosphere and weather patterns for decades, and this new photo is just the latest example of the incredible work being done by NASA’s astronaut corps. The ISS is a unique laboratory in space, providing a platform for scientists to conduct experiments and gather data that can’t be replicated on the ground.
Sprites are relatively rare because they require a specific set of conditions to occur. They typically appear above thunderstorms that are producing strong electrical discharges, known as lightning. When these discharges reach the upper atmosphere, they can interact with the ionized particles present in the air, causing the brief bursts of light we see as sprites.
This phenomenon was first discovered in the 1980s, and since then, scientists have been working to learn more about sprites and their role in the Earth’s atmosphere. NASA’s ISS has played a significant role in this research, providing a platform for scientists to study these events in detail.
Ayers’ photo is just the latest example of the incredible work being done by NASA’s astronauts and scientists. By capturing rare events like sprites, they are helping us better understand the Earth’s atmosphere and the complex interactions that occur within it.
