Gigantic jet captured from space

NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers captured a gigantic jet, a rare high-altitude electrical discharge, from the International Space Station.

Astronaut captures gigantic jet from space

On July 3, 2025, NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers photographed a gigantic jet, a rare type of Transient Luminous Event that connects the tops of thunderstorms to the upper atmosphere. The image was captured from the International Space Station during Expedition 44 and is part of the Spritacular project to document high-altitude electrical activity.

Gigantic jets differ from sprites, which also appear above storms but higher in the atmosphere and usually shorter. Scientists use ISS images to study how storms interact with the upper atmosphere, a field sometimes described as atmospheric electricity research. The Spritacular project invites the public to submit photos of jets, sprites and other TLEs to help researchers.

This event shows how space-based views can expand our understanding of atmospheric electricity and the upper atmosphere. It highlights how rare, dramatic images can drive curiosity and shape scientific questions.

It also demonstrates the value of citizen science, turning striking photographs into useful data and broadening the public’s engagement with space research.

Highlights

The image reminds us that the sky still holds surprises just beyond everyday sight.