Astronaut Captures Rare Red Sprite ‘Sky Jellyfish‘ From Space
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A breathtaking image of a rare atmospheric phenomenon known as a red sprite, resembling a jellyfish, has been captured from the International Space Station (ISS). NASA astronaut Nichole ayers, part of the Crew-10 SpaceX mission, photographed the elusive sprite above a North American thunderstorm on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
What are Red Sprites?
Red sprites are a type of Transient Luminous Event (TLE), which are brief, luminous flashes that occur high above thunderstorms. These events are triggered by intense electrical activity within the storm below. TLEs encompass various forms, including blue jets, elves, and the most frequently observed: sprites.
Often nicknamed “Sky Jellyfish” due to their distinctive branched shape, sprites can also resemble carrots because of downward-pointing tendrils. These phenomena typically accompany large lightning storms, including those associated with typhoons.
Did You Know? The largest sprites can extend up to 80 kilometers (50 miles) in altitude!
The Science Behind the spectacle
The characteristic red hue of sprites arises from the interaction between the sprite’s light and nitrogen gas in the upper atmosphere, according to NASA’s Earth Observatory. While first noted by airplane passengers in the 1950s, red sprites were not successfully photographed until 1989. Interestingly, these phenomena have also been observed on Jupiter, with expectations of their presence on Saturn and Venus as well.
Despite over three decades of study, scientists are still working to fully understand why only certain lightning strikes trigger sprites, while others do not.
A Unique Vantage Point
While photographing sprites from Earth is possible under ideal conditions, astronauts aboard the ISS possess a unique advantage. Their position above the clouds allows them to together capture lightning and TLE flashes, providing invaluable data for researchers.
Pro Tip: Clear, dark skies away from city lights offer the best chance of spotting sprites from the ground.
Ayers stated that the remarkable view from above the clouds enables scientists to use images like this to better understand the formation, characteristics, and relationship of TLEs with lightning storms.
Past Observations
This isn’t the first time ISS astronauts have captured these elusive events. in March 2025, a faint red sprite was photographed above “giant lightning bursts” in New Orleans. Furthermore, in June 2024, space.com reported a jellyfish-shaped red sprite seemingly floating in Earth’s high atmosphere, showcasing the universe’s hidden power behind thunderstorms.
Sprite Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Red Sprite (Sky Jellyfish) |
| Type | Transient Luminous Event (TLE) |
| Cause | Electrical activity in thunderstorms |
| Color | Red (due to nitrogen interaction) |
| Altitude | Up to 80 kilometers (50 miles) |
| First photographed | 1989 |
unanswered Questions
Why do some lightning strikes trigger sprites and others don’t? What other secrets does our atmosphere hold?
Evergreen insights
The study of atmospheric phenomena like red sprites provides valuable insights into Earth’s electrical surroundings and its interaction with space weather. Understanding these events can contribute to improved weather forecasting and a better understanding of our planet’s complex systems. Ongoing research continues to unravel the mysteries surrounding sprites and other tles, pushing the boundaries of our knowledge about the upper atmosphere.
FAQ
What is a red sprite?
A red sprite is a type of transient luminous event (TLE), a brief flash of light in the upper atmosphere caused by electrical activity from underlying thunderstorms. They are often called “Sky Jellyfish” due to their shape.
How high above the Earth do red sprites occur?
Red sprites can occur at altitudes of up to 80 kilometers (50 miles) above the Earth’s surface.
What causes the red color of a sprite?
The red color of a sprite is due to the interaction between the light emitted by the sprite and nitrogen gas present in the upper atmosphere, according to NASA’s Earth Observatory.
When was the first time a red sprite was photographed?
The first successful photograph of a red sprite was taken in 1989, although they were initially recorded by airplane passengers in the 1950s.
Besides Earth, where else have sprites been observed?
Sprites have been observed in the atmosphere of Jupiter, and scientists expect they may also exist on Saturn and Venus.
Why are red sprites important to study?
Studying red sprites and other transient luminous events helps scientists better understand the electrical activity in the upper atmosphere and its relationship to lightning storms.
Have you ever witnessed a rare atmospheric phenomenon? Share your experiences in the comments below and subscribe for more amazing science news!