this post was submitted on 10 May 2026
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ISS caught this sprite over Mexico (lemmy.world)
submitted 5 days ago by SpaceFacts@lemmy.world to c/ScienceOnlyFacts@lemmy.world
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[–] Brunbrun6766@lemmy.world 34 points 5 days ago (5 children)

I feel like a community like science facts should contain an explanation on a photo post...

[–] TragicNotCute@lemmy.world 26 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago)

I gotchu

Transient Luminous Events (TLEs) are colorful, bright, faster-than-lightning flashes that thunderstorms generate above the clouds. TLEs can take a variety of fanciful shapes with equally fanciful names. The most frequently observed TLEs are called “sprites,” like the enigmatic and playful fairies of folklore.

https://science.nasa.gov/citizen-science/spritacular/

[–] qualia@lemmy.world 17 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) (1 children)

It's actually called The Quickening and occurs when one Highlander cuts the head off of another Highlander permanently killing them. Then the victor absorbs their powers and memory via massive lightning bolts of energy which is why there can be only one.

[–] herrvogel@lemmy.world 1 points 5 days ago

How neat is that? I love nature.

[–] DaddleDew@lemmy.world 9 points 5 days ago

Electroboom visited Mexico and tested his hotel room's circuit breakers

[–] SpaceFacts@lemmy.world 5 points 5 days ago

I'll make sure from next time!

[–] FoxyFerengi@startrek.website 1 points 5 days ago

"Sprites are TLEs or Transient Luminous Events, that happen abov the clouds and are triggered by intense electrical activity in the thunderstorms below," wrote Ayers in an X post showcasing the image.

Space.com article