Observations from the ISS reinforce studies on red sprites: implications for atmospheric electronegativity and storm dynamics.

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Some astronauts orbiting Earth have managed to capture incredible images of a little-known phenomenon: "red elves," which have nothing to do with mythology and everything to do with atmospheric science. A recent photo by astronaut Nichole Ayers, from the International Space Station (ISS), shows an intense red coloration above a storm as the station flew over Mexico and the USA.

But what exactly are these phenomena? These events are called Transient Luminous Events (TLEs), a type of electrical discharge that occurs well above the clouds, in the Earth's mesosphere—that is, far above conventional lightning. The red color forms because energetic electrons interact with nitrogen molecules in the upper atmosphere.

Why does this matter to us on the ground? Although not directly dangerous to people on the ground, these discharges help scientists better understand how storms, the upper atmosphere, and electric fields relate—and may have implications for communication, satellites, and climate.

If you're curious about the sky, here's a tip: although rare and difficult to see with the naked eye, phenomena like this prove that nature still holds surprises that we can only see when we change our perspective—literally, into space. Accessible language: (News produced with AI)

Recently, an image captured by astronaut Nichole Ayers aboard the ISS recorded a rare upward electrical discharge event, the red sprite, over a storm cell in Mexico and the USA. These phenomena are part of a class known as Transient Luminous Events (TLEs), which occur approximately between 50 and 90 km altitude, that is, in the Earth's mesosphere.

From a physical point of view, sprites are triggered by intense positive lightning strikes from the ground to the cloud, creating an electric field that reaches high regions of the atmosphere. This electrical pulse interacts with molecular nitrogen, generating characteristic red emissions. The orbital geography of the ISS allows direct capture of this class of events, overcoming observation limitations on the Earth's surface.

Although these events have been studied since the 1990s (with the first photograph recorded in 1989), important gaps remain—for example, why only some lightning strikes trigger sprites, what is the exact role of microwaves or local electric fields, and what is the climatic or technological impact (satellites, communications) of these events? The contribution of ISS images is becoming vital for building databases and atmospheric simulation models.

For the technical community, this means that: (i) the integration of space sensors, satellites, and manned platforms can deepen the understanding of the electronegativity of the upper atmosphere; (ii) there is an opportunity to correlate TLEs with severe storms, geography, and climate; and (iii) high-speed instruments and electric/ionospheric fields should be combined to advance the temporal characterization of sprite formation. In short, the "red sprite" phenomenon has gone from a visual curiosity to a research tool in atmospheric electrophysics.

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Sources: Amazing 'Red Lightning' Photographed from Space | Live Science ISS astronaut captures a rare phenomenon from orbit — a giant 'sprite' above a thunderstorm | Space Sprites, Camera, Action! Sprite (lightning) - Wikipedia Astronaut snaps giant red 'jellyfish' sprite over North America during upward-shooting lightning event | Live Science ISS Astronauts Look Out Over the US—Can’t Believe What They See - Newsweek Mysterious 'Red Sprite' Appears in NASA Astronaut Photo From the Space Station. What Is This Strange Electrical Flare? NASA astronaut captures rare red sprite from International Space Station: What the Striking image reveals | - The Times of India Mysterious 'Red Sprite' Appears in NASA Astronaut Photo From the Space Station. What Is This Strange Electrical Flare?

Astronautas flagram “duendes vermelhos” sobre a Terra - Olhar Digital

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