Scientists are using instruments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to study Transient Luminous Events (TLEs), mysterious light phenomena in Earth's upper atmosphere.
These events, including blue jets and sprites, are linked to thunderstorms and can impact communication systems. The Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM) on the ISS has captured data on these phenomena, providing insights into corona discharges.
In April 2025, NASA astronaut Don Pettit captured a video of TLEs over the Amazon basin, revealing sprites and blue jets. The Thor-Davis experiment has also captured imagery of rare TLEs, contributing to understanding upper-atmospheric lightning and its role in Earth's systems.