Space & Astronomy

ISS astronaut films rare blue jet lightning

By T.K. Randall
February 12, 2017

Image: International Space Station
Credit: (PD) NASA When observed from the ground, thunderstorms can be pretty spectacular, but when viewed from far above, it is possible to see something even more incredible - blue jet lightning.

This rare atmospheric phenomenon takes the form of blue jets of light which form in the upper atmosphere and can stretch for tens of kilometers in to the stratosphere.

Despite being difficult to study, spectacular footage of the phenomenon was captured in 2015 over the Bay of Bengal by ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen.

"It is not every day that you get to capture a new weather phenomenon on film, so I am very pleased with the result," he said.

The footage he recorded can be viewed below.


Source: IB Times

Tags: Blue Jet Lightning