NASA Astronauts Capture Rare Lightning Storms from Space Station
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have captured stunning images of rare atmospheric phenomena known as transient luminous events (TLEs). These include red sprites, blue jets, and ultraviolet rings, which occur high above thunderstorms and are typically invisible from the ground. The ISS, equipped with specialized cameras and sensors, provides a unique vantage point to observe these events. The AtmosphereâSpace Interactions Monitor (ASIM), a European Space Agency instrument on the ISS, has been instrumental in recording these fleeting occurrences. TLEs are significant because they can affect radio transmissions and alter atmospheric chemistry, impacting climate models and aviation safety.