Rare Red Sprite Observed Above Texas Storm from ISS
Rare Red Sprite Observed Above Texas Storm from ISS
US · Published Mar 12, 2026
Astronauts on the ISS captured images of a rare red sprite above Texas.
Red sprites are transient luminous events occurring high in the mesosphere.
The ASIM instrument on the ISS is used to study these electrical discharges.
Astronauts photograph rare red sprite phenomenon
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have recently captured remarkable images of a rare atmospheric phenomenon known as a red sprite, observed above a thunderstorm in Texas. These transient luminous events (TLEs) occur high in the mesosphere, far above typical cloud formations, and manifest as brief, reddish flashes resembling upside-down jellyfish. According to NASA, red sprites can appear as high as 55 miles (90 kilometers) above the Earth's surface, making them a fascinating subject for scientists studying the dynamics of the upper atmosphere and its interaction with space weather.
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