An awe-inspiring image from space, shared by a NASA astronaut, reveals a rare atmospheric phenomenon known as a sprite — something that looks straight out of science fiction, yet is completely real.
NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers recently posted a captivating photo on X (formerly Twitter), taken from the observation dome aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The image showcases Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama at night, with city lights illuminating the Earth’s surface.
But what truly stands out is a brilliant white flash and a striking red vertical streak on the left side of the image.
Rare Phenomenon: Sprite Over Panama
That red glow isn’t photo editing — it’s a rare electrical phenomenon called a sprite — a type of lightning that shoots upward from a thunderstorm into the upper atmosphere.
Ayers explained: “The first remarkable detail is a storm north of Panama City. The red line is a sprite — a type of lightning that launches upward and is extremely difficult to capture.”
What Are Sprites?
Sprites are reddish flashes that occur between 300 and 600 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. They are caused by the interaction of positively charged lightning bolts with atomic oxygen in the upper atmosphere.
Key Characteristics:
Color: Red/Orange
Altitude: Up to 600 km
Duration: Just a few milliseconds
Key Characteristics:
Color: Red/Orange
Altitude: Up to 600 km
Duration: Just a few milliseconds
Visibility: Only observable when the sky is cloud-free
The Flash Reflected on the ISS
The lightning was so intense that: “You can even see its reflection on the metallic exterior of the station,” Ayers noted.
While NASA has documented similar events in the past, this particular photograph stands out for its clarity and perfect timing.
