Astronaut Films Rare Cosmic Energy Jet—A First-of-Its-Kind Space Discovery!

2024-12-09 04:14:39

In early

July 2025

, an extraordinary event in Earth’s upper

atmosphere

was photographed by astronauts aboard the

International Space Station (ISS)

. This rare occurrence, which unfolded about 400 kilometers above the planet’s surface, has caught the attention of

scientists

and

meteorologists

worldwide. The photograph, taken by astronaut


Nichole Ayers


, depicts an awe-inspiring phenomenon with

colors

ranging from vivid reds to cool blues. This fleeting burst of

energy

, visible only from the heights of space, provides valuable insight into

high-altitude electrical activity

.

A Glimpse into Earth’s High Atmosphere

The image shared by Ayers shows a large, colorful

lightning-like phenomenon

, resembling an intense burst of energy that seems to strike the Earth below. What makes this event exceptional is the series of

colors displayed

in the jet, transitioning from pinkish-red to white, accompanied by shades of violet and blue. At the lower part of the phenomenon, it appears as if the energy jet is connecting with Earth, casting a bright glow into the clouds beneath.

This event, known as a

sprite

or

farfadet

, is one of the rarest types of

Transient Luminous Events (TLEs)

. These phenomena occur high in the atmosphere, above typical thunderstorms, and are triggered by intense

electrical activity

from storms below. Unlike regular lightning that happens within the

troposphere

,

sprites

occur in the

mesosphere

, at altitudes ranging from 50 to 80 kilometers.

Transient Luminous Events: An Atmospheric Enigma

Transient Luminous Events, or

TLEs

, are brief flashes of light that can take several forms, including

sprites

,

elves

, and

jets

. While these high-atmosphere phenomena have been studied for years, they remain elusive and difficult to capture, given their rapid occurrence and high altitude. The

sprite

witnessed by Ayers was particularly rare and provided scientists with an unprecedented view of an event that often lasts for only a fraction of a second.

TLEs occur in regions well above the thunderstorms that generate them, typically in the

mesosphere

, which lies between the stratosphere and the

thermosphere

. These jets, which can travel from 10 to 145 kilometers per second, form a bridge between the thunderstorm below and the higher layers of the atmosphere. Despite their brief duration, these events are incredibly energetic, creating light displays that can be both visually spectacular and scientifically informative.

The Challenge of Capturing High-Altitude Lightning

Capturing a clear photograph of a

high-altitude lightning phenomenon

is no easy task. These events are often invisible from the ground and can be difficult to track due to their brief nature. They last only a few tenths of a second, making them a challenge to document, even when astronauts or satellites are in the right place at the right time. The photograph taken by

Nichole Ayers

is considered one of the most detailed images ever captured of a

giant jet

.

Meteorologist

Matthew Cappucci

described the photo as the “clearest photo ever taken of a gigantic jet seen from above.” The rare clarity of this image is critical to advancing scientific understanding of TLEs, which have been difficult to study due to their elusive nature. These energetic jets can reach altitudes of

80 to 95 kilometers

, bridging the gap between thunderclouds and the higher layers of the atmosphere, and providing new insights into the interactions between electrical storms and the upper atmosphere.

A Valuable Contribution to Atmospheric Research

This photo, captured while the

ISS

was over

Mexico

and the southern United States, is not just a remarkable visual spectacle but also a critical contribution to

atmospheric science

. The photograph provides an exceptional view of a

giant jet

, which forms a part of the broader category of high-altitude lightning phenomena. Scientists hope that studying this and similar images will help deepen their understanding of the formation, characteristics, and behavior of

TLEs

, ultimately enhancing our knowledge of these mysterious and dynamic events.

This rare image is not the first of its kind. In 2021, astronaut

Thomas Pesquet

also captured a similar event, though without the same level of detail. However, Ayers’ photograph stands out for its sharpness and clarity, offering a much clearer view of this rare phenomenon. It will likely be a key reference for future research on

high-atmosphere electrical phenomena

and their relationship to the storms below.

Demander à ChatGPT

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