But the ‘ fireworks ’ in the image are actually red sprites - large but weak flashes of light that appear directly above an active thunderstorm system. The stunning photo was snapped by photographer Stephane Vetter, and has been featured as NASA ’s Astronomy Picture of the Day. “Generated over intense thunderstorms, this one about 260 kilometers away, the brief and mysterious flashes have come to be known as red sprites. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now“The silvery veins of light are polar mesospheric clouds. Last year, NASA revealed a stunning HD photo of a rare red sprite, showing the lightning in unbelievable detail.

Source: Daily Mirror July 06, 2020 08:42 UTC