Rare Thunder Phenomenon Captured in Stunning Images by ESA Astronaut

Check out these incredible images captured by ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen as part of the Thor-Davis experiment on the International Space Station (ISS). Mogensen was able to capture a red sprite, a rare and captivating phenomenon that occurs above thunderclouds.

Equipped with a specialized event-based camera, ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen managed to capture this picture of a red sprite in October 2023. Image credit: ESA / DTU / A. Mogensen.

Not only is the imagery visually stunning, but it’s also incredibly informative. The images are part of the Thor-Davis experiment, which aims to better understand lightning in the upper atmosphere and its potential impact on greenhouse gas concentrations. This investigation is being carried out by the Danish Technical University (DTU) in collaboration with ESA.

It’s not the first time Mogensen has captured an otherworldly weather event from space. In 2015, he photographed a blue jet, another fascinating atmospheric occurrence, during his first mission.

Olivier Chanrion, lead scientist for the Thor-Davis experiment, praised the high-quality images, which were captured using the Davis camera. This event-based camera excels at capturing quick processes in lightning, providing researchers with a newfound level of detail.

Red sprites form above thunderclouds and are typically only visible from space, making Mogensen’s images all the more remarkable. The red sprites can also be observed using the Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM) located on the outside of the ISS.

The Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM) is a collection of optical cameras, photometers and an X- and gamma-ray detector designed to look for electrical discharges born in stormy weather conditions that extend above thunderstorms into the upper atmosphere. Image credit: ESA.

The images provided by the Davis camera, functioning similarly to the human eye, have offered a unique perspective on the red sprite phenomenon. This event camera has the remarkable ability to capture a staggering 100,000 pictures per second while consuming minimal power.

With his one-of-a-kind images, Mogensen was able to capture a red sprite that measured around 14 by 26 km and occurred between 40 and 80 km over the ground. The rapid succession of images gives a fascinating insight into the formation of the sprite, as it emerges from a thundercloud below.

For those eager to learn more, you can read the full article here.

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