NASA astronaut captures rare sprite phenomenon from space
- NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers took a striking photograph of a sprite while on the International Space Station.
- Sprites are atmospheric phenomena produced above thunderstorms, visible from space but rarely from the ground.
- Such observations from the ISS contribute to scientific understanding of thunderstorm dynamics and atmospheric electricity.
On a recent day, an astronaut stationed aboard the International Space Station (ISS) captured a remarkable image of a sprite, a rare atmospheric phenomenon, while flying over Mexico and the Desert Southwest. Sprites are classified as Transient Luminous Events (TLEs) characterized by bright flashes of light located high above thunderstorms, which frequently occur due to intense electrical activity in the atmosphere triggered by cloud-to-ground lightning strikes. Captured by NASA astronaut Nichole "Vapor" Ayers, the image is particularly significant as sprites are generally not visible to the naked eye from the surface of the Earth. The phenomenon appears predominantly red and lasts only a brief moment, although it can be effectively recorded from the vantage point of the ISS, which operates at an altitude of roughly 250 miles above the planet. Ayers shared her experience on social media, expressing awe at the natural spectacle and the unique perspective that the ISS provides for observing such rare phenomena. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the relationship between sprites and thunderstorms remains poorly understood. Scientists continue to study how certain lightning strikes create the electric fields necessary to trigger these luminous events high in the atmosphere, while others do not. Other related TLEs include phenomena known as elves, blue jets, and ghosts, all of which also occur at high altitudes and can expand our understanding of atmospheric electricity and its effects. As part of NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission, which launched in March 2025, Ayers is expected to remain aboard the ISS until at least August 2025. During this mission, the crew will conduct numerous scientific experiments, including tests regarding the flammability of materials and studies focusing on the physiological and psychological impacts of space on human beings. This sprite photograph plays a crucial role in furthering scientific knowledge of the interactions between atmospheric phenomena and thunderstorm activity, potentially leading to advancements in meteorological science.