ESA Astronaut Captured Rare Red Sprite From Space
The Thor-Davis experiment successfully imaged a massive electrical phenomenon, helping scientists study elusive atmospheric events.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Space
ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen has captured high-resolution imagery of a red sprite, a rare electrical discharge occurring above thunderstorms. The images were obtained during the ongoing Thor-Davis experiment conducted from the International Space Station.
Why it matters
Red sprites remain notoriously difficult to study from the ground because they form at high altitudes above thunder clouds. Capturing these events from space provides a clearer perspective on the electrical interactions within the upper atmosphere.
The observed red sprite occurred at an altitude between 40 and 80 kilometers above the Earth's surface. Researchers estimated the discharge measured approximately 14 by 26 kilometers in size.
The players
Andreas Mogensen
An ESA astronaut who utilizes the Space Station to conduct atmospheric research experiments.
European Space Agency
An international organization pursuing scientific research in space, including atmospheric and Earth observation missions.
The details
Andreas Mogensen captured the imagery by mounting the Davis camera onto the Space Station camera system while observing thunderstorms from the Cupola, a panoramic window module on the station. Red sprites are transient luminous events—brief, large-scale electrical discharges—that form in the mesosphere above active storm systems. The Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor remains mounted on the exterior of the Space Station to continue collecting data on these high-altitude phenomena.
Timeline
Every Saturday, Andreas Mogensen operated the camera system to conduct the Thor-Davis experiment.
The Tech Race
This imaging effort builds upon data collected by the Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor, a dedicated facility for studying high-altitude electrical discharges. It demonstrates how crew-tended experiments can complement fixed sensors in the race to map transient atmospheric phenomena.
The study of these electrical discharges improves global understanding of atmospheric phenomena that can interfere with communication technologies. While these observations are currently limited to specialized orbital research, the findings contribute to refined models for weather and high-altitude monitoring.
The takeaway
Capturing these elusive atmospheric events provides essential data for characterizing the electrical environment of the upper atmosphere. Watch for future updates from the Thor-Davis experiment team as they analyze the specific spectral signatures and formation patterns captured in these latest images.
Further reading
For more research on orbital observation and atmospheric science, visit our Space section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by European Space Agency (ESA).
