Explore the Wonders of Transient Luminous Events
A recent photo taken by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has unveiled the mysteries of Earth’s electric skies. This captivating image captures a phenomenon known as a sprite, or “farfadet” in French, which is one of the rarest forms of Transient Luminous Events (TLEs). Unlike the common lightning that occurs in the lower troposphere, sprites occur much higher, reaching altitudes of 50 km to 80 km in the mesosphere.
Scientists have been fascinated by sprites for decades, yet understanding them remains challenging. These fleeting events not only showcase the beauty of our planet’s atmosphere but also provide essential insights into the electrical processes occurring high above Earth’s surface. The unique perspective from the ISS allows astronauts to capture breathtaking images that highlight these rare occurrences.
