Astronaut Captures Elusive Red ‘Sprite’ from Space

While orbiting Earth, a **NASA** astronaut recently photographed a fleeting atmospheric phenomenon known as a “sprite.” These red lights shimmer high above thunderstorms, offering a rare glimpse into the planet’s electrical activity. The image has captivated both scientists and the public.

Rare Sighting Above the Storms

Nichole Ayers, a **NASA** astronaut, spotted the shimmering red lights above thunderstorms in Mexico and the United States. This elusive occurrence, formally known as a Transient Luminous Event (TLE), manifests as a brief burst of red light far above powerful thunderstorms.

These bursts of electrical energy can extend up to 100 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, comprising what scientists call “cold plasma,” which is more akin to the glow within a fluorescent light than typical lightning. Due to their altitude and short lifespan, sprites are rarely observed from the ground.

Astronaut’s Perspective

Sharing the image on X, Ayers exclaimed, “Just. Wow. As we went over Mexico and the U.S. this morning, I caught this sprite.” Her space-based capture provides valuable data for research.

Just. Wow. As we went over Mexico and the U.S. this morning, I caught this sprite! @Space_Station @Axiom_Space #AxiomMission3 #TLE #Sprite pic.twitter.com/Es6Jpw5574

— Nichole Ayers (@Astro_Ayers) May 10, 2024

Ayers further explained, “Sprites are TLEs or Transient Luminous Events, that happen above the clouds and are triggered by intense electrical activity in the thunderstorms below.”

Scientific Fascination

Sprites have captivated scientists and pilots alike. Though pilots have reported seeing them for almost a century, they were largely dismissed as myths until 1989, when the first clear image of a sprite was accidentally captured on camera. Atmospheric scientists at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute have been studying sprites, jets and elves since those accidental captures (University of Alaska Fairbanks).

According to **NASA**, sprites occur when strong lightning discharges interact with the Earth’s ionosphere. As the discharge ascends and collides with nitrogen molecules, it produces a reddish glow. Sprites belong to a broader class of upper-atmosphere phenomena, which also includes blue jets and red elves.

Public Reaction

The public has expressed both amazement and curiosity upon seeing the post. Social media users have called the sighting one of the “rarest of rare celestial phenomenon.” Others have asked questions about the duration, altitude, and recording methods of the captured sprite.