ISS Captures Rare Gigantic Jet, a Massive Upward Lightning Over New Orleans

A uncommon “gigantic jet” of lightning was captured in a newly launched picture taken from the International Space Station (ISS). The {photograph}, dated November 19, 2024, exhibits a robust discharge of blue gentle extending from a thunderstorm, probably reaching round 50 miles (80 kilometers) above Earth’s floor. The picture, initially not publicised by NASA or every other house company, surfaced after photographer Frankie Lucena recognized it on the Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth web site. The placing phenomenon was later shared by Spaceweather.com on February 26, bringing renewed consideration to those elusive atmospheric occasions.

Gigantic Jet Confirmed by Analysis

According to reports, the ISS had captured 4 pictures of lightning across the time of the occasion, with just one displaying a transparent upward-shooting jet. The actual location of the phenomenon stays unsure resulting from cloud cowl, however ISS monitoring information suggests it probably occurred simply off the coast of New Orleans. Gigantic jets are not often noticed, with solely a restricted variety of documented instances since their discovery in 2001.

How Gigantic Jets Form

These towering lightning bolts happen when electrical cost distributions inside a thunderstorm are disrupted, inflicting vitality to be launched upwards reasonably than towards the bottom. The distinctive blue hue outcomes from interactions with nitrogen within the higher environment. Most gigantic jets prolong into the ionosphere, the electrically charged layer of Earth’s environment beginning round 50 miles above the floor.

Energetic Nature of Upward Lightning

Previous research have proven that big jets can carry considerably extra vitality than customary lightning bolts. A record-breaking occasion over Oklahoma in May 2018 was discovered to have 60 occasions the vitality of a median strike. In addition to the primary jet, faint branching purple discharges, much like sprites, may be seen within the current ISS picture, highlighting the complexity of those high-altitude electrical occasions.