Houston, Texas — A NASA astronaut has captured a stunning image of Earth that reveals a rare meteorological phenomenon known as a “sprite.” This striking red lightning formation, reminiscent of a jellyfish, was seen soaring above a thunderstorm over North America. The image was taken by Nichole Ayers, the pilot of SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission, as the International Space Station (ISS) passed over regions impacted by thunderstorms, including parts of Mexico and the southern United States.
On Thursday, Ayers shared her awe upon witnessing the sprite, describing it as an unforgettable moment in her space journey. “As we traveled over Mexico and the U.S., I managed to capture this sprite,” she posted on X. Sprites, categorized as Transient Luminous Events (TLEs), typically manifest above thunderstorm clouds and are created by intense electrical activity below.
TLEs encompass various phenomena, such as upward blue jets and light rings known as elves, but sprites are the most recognized form. Their jellyfish-like appearance is due to their branched light structures that resemble tentacles, and they are also described as “carrots” for their trailing tendrils. These captivating formations are often linked to significant thunderstorms, including those fueled by hurricanes.
The sprite captured by Ayers is believed to have reached heights of up to 50 miles above Earth’s surface, glowing red due to its interaction with upper-atmospheric nitrogen. Despite being first identified by airline passengers in the 1950s, sprites were not photographed until 1989. They have since also been detected on other planets, such as Jupiter, and are thought to exist on Saturn and Venus as well.
Researchers have yet to fully understand why certain lightning strikes generate sprites while others do not, despite decades of study. This ambiguity continues to intrigue scientists in the atmospheric research community.
While TLEs can occasionally be seen from the ground under the right conditions, astronauts aboard the ISS are uniquely positioned to capture these phenomena in conjunction with lightning strikes. Ayers noted that this vantage point allows for vital data to be gathered, helping scientists unravel the complexities of TLEs and their relationship to thunderstorms. “We’re privileged to have such a clear view above the clouds,” Ayers explained. “These images can significantly enhance our understanding of these occurrences.”
In March, another astronaut aboard the ISS captured faint red sprites emerging from a massive lightning jet above New Orleans. A separate incident in June 2024 featured a distinct red jellyfish shape floating in the atmosphere, further illustrating the mesmerizing nature of these phenomena. As research continues, the insights gained from such observations are expected to contribute significantly to our understanding of atmospheric processes and their implications for weather systems.