Stunning Night Sky: Astronaut Captures Giant Red ‘Jellyfish’ Sprite Over North America During Lightning Show!

A NASA astronaut recently took an amazing photo of Earth, showcasing a jellyfish-shaped “sprite” of red lightning shooting up from a thunderstorm over North America. This event, rare and captivating, has puzzled scientists for over 30 years.

Nichole Ayers, pilot of SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission and member of the International Space Station, captured this striking image on July 3rd while flying above thunderstorms affecting parts of Mexico and the southern U.S.

“Just wow! As we passed over Mexico and the U.S., I caught this sprite,” Ayers shared on X. “Sprites are Transient Luminous Events (TLEs) triggered by intense electrical activity in thunderstorms below.”

TLEs are fascinating visual phenomena that occur above stormy clouds. They include not only sprites but also upward-shooting blue jets and UFO-like rings of light known as ELVES. Sprites, resembling jellyfish, have tendrils of light that give them their name, although some call them “carrots” because of the root-like trails they leave behind. They’re often associated with severe thunderstorms, including those generated by hurricanes.

Interestingly, sprites can rise about 50 miles (80 kilometers) high. They appear red due to their interaction with nitrogen in the upper atmosphere, according to NASA’s Earth Observatory.

Sprites weren’t officially observed until the 1950s by airline passengers, and the first photograph was taken in 1989. They have also been spotted on Jupiter, and there’s evidence suggesting they might occur on Saturn and Venus too, as discussed by Space.com.

Despite extensive research, scientists remain uncertain why some lightning strikes produce sprites while others do not. This intrigue draws the attention of experts across fields, including atmospheric science and space observation. According to recent research presented at a meteorological conference, 70% of lightning strikes do not generate sprites, highlighting the need for further study.

Ayers noted that astronauts on the ISS have a valuable vantage point, enabling them to observe and document TLEs as they happen. “We have a great view above the clouds, so scientists can use these pictures to better understand TLE formation and characteristics,” she wrote.

This ongoing research expands our knowledge of how TLEs relate to thunderstorms, helping scientists unravel the mysteries of our atmosphere. The phenomenon captures the imagination and sparks conversations online, with many social media users eagerly sharing their thoughts and excitement about such stunning natural displays.

The combination of modern technology and scientific inquiry continues to deepen our understanding of lightning and its intriguing side effects, reminding us that Earth’s atmosphere holds many more secrets yet to be discovered.

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