“Stunning Footage: ISS Astronaut Captures Rare Colorful Lightning in Action – ‘This Is Truly Extraordinary!’”

NASA astronaut Don Pettit recently shared some amazing footage from the International Space Station (ISS). While soaring above South America, he filmed a rare phenomenon known as Transient Luminous Events, or TLEs. These vibrant flashes of light occur high in our atmosphere and are also commonly called "sprites."

Pettit described his view in a humorous way, saying it caters to your “inner Uber-Geek.” He posted a brief six-second video of the TLEs on X (formerly Twitter), noting how they appear from what’s called the nadir—the point directly beneath the ISS. You can check out his tweet here.

This isn’t the first time such events have been captured from space. In fact, just the year before, fellow astronaut Matthew Dominick recorded a different type of atmospheric occurrence known as red sprites. These striking flashes shoot upwards from intense thunderstorms, unlike regular lightning that strikes down. Both events highlight just how dynamic and fascinating our atmosphere can be.

Sprites occur at altitudes around 50 miles (80 kilometers) above Earth. They form when electrical charges from a thunderstorm create bursts of plasma in the ionosphere. Interestingly, these effects were not documented until 1989, revealing how much we still learn about our planet’s atmosphere. According to research, identifying and understanding these events not only satisfies scientific curiosity but may also enhance our abilities to predict severe weather.

The recent surge of interest in these phenomena is evident on social media. People are captivated by the vivid colors and the idea that such things can occur above our heads, invisible to the naked eye.

In conclusion, the beauty of our planet extends far beyond what we see from the ground. Insights like those shared by Pettit remind us of the incredible dynamics at play in our atmosphere. As science continues to unveil these wonders, our understanding of the world—and universe—surrounding us grows richer.

For more about these phenomena, check out the insights shared by NASA on their official site here.

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