ESA Astronaut Captured Rare Red Sprite Images
Andreas Mogensen photographed the elusive electrical phenomena from the International Space Station.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Space
ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen has captured high-resolution images of a red sprite, an elusive electrical phenomenon, during a recent experiment. The team measured the captured event at approximately 14 by 26 kilometers in size.
Why it matters
Red sprites form above thunderclouds and are notoriously difficult to study from ground-based observation platforms. These space-based captures provide scientists with new insights into electrical activity occurring high in the atmosphere.
The red sprite was identified at an altitude between 40 and 80 kilometers, reaching an estimated size of 14 by 26 kilometers. These phenomena are documented using specialized camera equipment mounted on the Space Station.
The players
Andreas Mogensen
He is an ESA astronaut who performed the Thor-Davis experiment from the Cupola of the International Space Station.
Space Station
It is an international research laboratory orbiting Earth that serves as a platform for atmospheric studies.
The details
Andreas Mogensen utilized the Davis camera system, which he personally mounted in the Space Station Cupola, to document thunderstorms on Earth. The experiment, known as Thor-Davis, aims to observe these transient luminous events that occur far above typical storm clouds.
Timeline
Every Saturday, Andreas Mogensen operated the camera for the experiment.
Deeper Dive
This observation extends the mission of the Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor, which remains mounted on the Space Station for ongoing studies. It marks a significant milestone in documenting electrical phenomena that standard ground instrumentation cannot effectively capture.
While these images do not immediately change consumer technology, they improve our understanding of atmospheric electrical cycles. This foundational science helps refine meteorological models that may eventually lead to better weather forecasting and climate data.
The takeaway
Capturing these elusive phenomena highlights the value of utilizing the orbital perspective for Earth science. Researchers can continue to refine their study of the upper atmosphere by leveraging these specialized camera setups on future missions.
Further reading
Explore more about ongoing extraterrestrial investigations in our Space section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by European Space Agency (ESA).
