HOUSTON — The ISS astronauts had a front-row seat to a unique weather phenomenon Thursday morning. Astronaut Nichole “Vapor” Ayers captured a photo of the sprite as the International Space Station flew over the United States and Mexico.
“Just. Wow.,” Ayers posted alongside the picture of what looked a little like a large red balloon swirling above a glowing sea of blue and white.
Ayers also explained what causes it.
“Sprites are TLEs or Transient Luminous Events, that happen above the clouds and are triggered by intense electrical activity in the thunderstorms below,” Ayers posted on X.
Just. Wow. As we went over Mexico and the U.S. this morning, I caught this sprite.
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… pic.twitter.com/dCqIrn3vrA
— Nichole “Vapor” Ayers (@Astro_Ayers) July 3, 2025
A commenter shared CCTV video of sprites over the Himalayas above Tibet.