A picture taken by NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers from the International Space Station (ISS) has captured a rare and extraordinary atmospheric phenomenon known as a red sprite. The photo, taken during the night on July 3, 2025, shows a glowing bluish-purple halo with a vivid red column shooting upward into space.
Ayers, a U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and combat-experienced fighter pilot, was part of NASA’s Artemis generation of astronauts selected for the ISS Expedition 73 mission. As part of her duties, she conducted scientific experiments on environmental monitoring and human physiology while onboard the ISS.
The red sprite is a form of upper-atmospheric lightning that occurs between 30 and 60 miles above Earth’s surface. It shoots upward into the mesosphere, often appearing red or pink due to the interaction of nitrogen molecules with high-energy electrons. This phenomenon is part of a broader category called Transient Luminous Events (TLEs), which also include blue jets, elves, and gigantic jets.
The study of sprites has been ongoing since the late 20th century, but these images provide valuable scientific insight into the electrical balance of the atmosphere. NASA noted that space-based observations are essential in documenting TLEs, as they offer a unique vantage point unobstructed by clouds or light pollution.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/rare-red-sprites-phenomenon-captured-international-space-station-2094610