NASA astronaut Nicole Ayers captured a photograph of a rare red sprite above a storm from the International Space Station, a mysterious electrical phenomenon in the upper atmosphere. This proved to be crucial data for NASA's Spriteacular project.
Space: Another historic moment has been added to the collection of unique images taken from space. In early July 2025, NASA astronaut Nicole "Vapor" Ayers photographed a rare red sprite above a storm from the International Space Station (ISS). This event proved to be an exciting moment for scientists, as sprites are still one of the least understood aspects of atmospheric events.
What is a 'Sprite'?
A sprite is a type of electrical phenomenon that is very different from a normal lightning strike. It appears in the upper atmosphere, at an altitude of 50 to 80 kilometers, and its glow lasts only for a few milliseconds. Sprites usually occur above thunderclouds after powerful lightning strikes. They are difficult to see with the naked eye, so their photographs and videos are extremely important for scientists. In this photograph taken by Nicole Ayers, the sprite appears spread across the sky like a giant inverted umbrella, looking extremely attractive with a flash of red light.
Amazing view from the International Space Station (ISS)
Nicole Ayers saw this amazing event while orbiting Earth from a height of 250 miles (approximately 400 kilometers) above the stormy clouds over Mexico and South America. The view from space above the clouds is clear and vast, making it easier to recognize these transient events. She said that the space station is an ideal location from which scientists can easily record these short-lived and mysterious events. This is why this picture taken from space is considered a major achievement in sprite research.
Spriteacular: A fusion of science and the general public
NASA's citizen-science project called Spriteacular is designed to collect data on sprites and other upper atmospheric events. Ordinary people who have cameras can also participate and send their photos to the project. This initiative, which started in 2022, has involved more than 800 citizens from 21 countries so far, who have documented a total of more than 360 sprite events.
Beginning of a new perspective from space
Pictures taken from the ISS give scientists a perspective that is not possible from Earth. When viewed from above the clouds, the structure, spread, and color of sprites appear more clear. This is the reason why many NASA astronauts are now regularly documenting such events.
Sprites are not limited to Earth alone
Sprites may be a part of the atmospheric processes not only of Earth, but also of other planets. NASA's Juno mission has also recorded flashes similar to sprites on the planet Jupiter. This means that electrical events are widespread in the universe, and their study can give us new information about the climate and structure of planets.
Importance of research on Sprites
Even today, scientists do not fully know the process by which sprites are formed, their lifespan, and their impact on weather or climate. In such a situation, every photograph, every report helps scientists understand these mysteries. Nicole Ayers' photograph, in which a rare red sprite is clearly visible, is a great contribution to science.
