Aboard the International Space Station, astronaut Nichole Ayers witnessed a fleeting luminous phenomenon, capturing an image that intrigues as much as it fascinates. This moment, where an unusual flash crossed the sky, might hold essential keys to understanding the complex interactions within our atmosphere. Scientists are examining this manifestation to unravel its implications and secrets.
A unique moment captured from space
On July 8, 2025, Nichole Ayers, a NASA astronaut currently on a mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), captured a fascinating and rare phenomenon: a sprite. Nestled at the heart of SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission, this exceptional moment highlights how the wonders of our planet can still surprise us, even from Earth’s orbit!
A flash from elsewhere
But what is a sprite? More commonly known to scientists as a “sprite,” this transient luminous phenomenon occurs in the upper layers of the atmosphere, between 50 and 90 kilometers in altitude. Unlike traditional lightning that originates in clouds, sprites burst upwards, drawing evanescent and reddish shapes. In this specific case, Nichole Ayers observed it while a thunderstorm raged below, adding a touch of mystery to the celestial spectacle.
These appearances, although frequent, are complex to capture. Their brevity, often less than 10 milliseconds, and their location at altitude make them elusive “ghosts” from the ground. But thanks to the ISS, Nichole Ayers was able to immortalize this moment of rare beauty from a privileged viewpoint.
When science illuminates the mystery
From a scientific perspective, sprites are the result of powerful electrical interactions during thunderstorms. An extremely intense electrical impulse traverses the atmosphere and briefly ionizes nitrogen, producing a fleeting reddish glow. These phenomena are not new: their first observation dates back to 1989 when cameras directed at thunderstorms accidentally captured them.
Color: primarily red with shades of blue
Shape: slender columns or flared flashes
Duration: a few milliseconds
Some current research focuses on their role in Earth’s climate. Although spectacular, their energy efficiency remains low compared to usual lightning, but their study could reveal valuable information about the dynamics of our atmosphere.
A multidimensional mission
The Crew-10 mission, in which Nichole Ayers is involved, is dedicated to a multitude of projects. In addition to observing such rare luminous phenomena, the crew conducts various scientific research, notably on astronaut health and the development of technologies for future missions to Mars. These SpaceX missions in partnership with NASA push the boundaries we thought, just a few decades ago, were insurmountable.
This kind of spontaneous observation reminds us that even hundreds of kilometers above us, our atmosphere continues to form dazzling spectacles. And thanks to astronauts like Nichole Ayers, we discover an unsuspected facet of our Earth, immersed in the magnificence of the vastness of space.