photo #8401633

NASA astronaut on the International Space Station caught this breathtaking 'lightning sprite' over Mexico and U.S.!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 scientists can use these types of pictures to better understand the formation, characteristics, and relationship of TLEs to thunderstorms.Source: NASA Astronaut Nichole Ayers