A recent post on social media by NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers has captured the attention of space enthusiasts worldwide, showcasing a breathtaking view from space. In her photo, taken with the Cupola, Ayers pointed out several fascinating features, including a giant white glow and red streak in the left-hand side.
The striking element in the image is actually a lightning strike, commonly known as a sprite, which occurs when positively charged cloud-to-ground lightning strokes interact with atmospheric nitrogen. The sprite appears as an upward-directed lightning that gets caught in the upper atmosphere, making it challenging to capture in photos.
Ayers explained the science behind this phenomenon, stating that the light was so bright it could be seen on the metal exterior of the Space Station. She also noticed a reflection of the lightning strike on the station’s structure, creating an optical illusion. The sprite itself appears as a faint red air glow above the vibrant orange of the base atmospheric layer.
NASA confirms that sprites are connected to positively charged cloud-to-ground lightning strokes and can be triggered by electrical breakdowns in the atmosphere. It is indeed rare to witness this phenomenon from Earth’s surface due to the need for clear skies, but with NASA astronauts like Ayers, we have a unique perspective on our planet’s awe-inspiring natural wonders.
This remarkable view highlights just how extraordinary our planet can be, and it serves as a reminder of the incredible scientific discoveries that await us when exploring space.
Source: https://www.ladbible.com/news/science/nasa-astronaut-earth-time-lapse-lightning-storm-iss-explained-473287-20250523