โSpriteโ over USA/ Mexico from the International Space Station, astro_Pettit
Sprites are TLEs or Transient Luminous Events, that happen above the clouds and are triggered by intense electrical activity in the thunderstorms below. We have a great view above the clouds, so scientists can use these types of pictures to better understand the formation, characteristics, and relationship of TLEs to thunderstorms.
This shot was taken with a Nikon Z9 using a 50mm lens (f/1.2, ยผ sec, ISO 6400) as part of a time-lapse I set up in the Cupola. Like @astro_pettit said, it takes planning, timing, and a lot of pictures to capture such a rare phenomenon. ๐ธ Astro_Ayers
In this photo, the storm appears to be hovering near the TexasโMexico border. You can spot the glow of Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston to the northeast, and Torreรณn, Mexico, to the southwest.
@NASA makes our Earth observation pictures publicly available, so as soon as this one is processed, you can find it here. ๐ eol.jsc.nasa.gov
