NASA Releases Stunning Images Of Lightning From Space

Space is so fricking cool.

Ever wondered what a thunderstorm looks like from space? Well, here you go…

eoimages.gsfc.nasa.gov / Via Nasa

NASA recently released two incredible images taken from the International Space Station (ISS).

The image above, over Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, was taken in December 2013, and the below picture, of Bolivia, was taken in January 2011.

The space agency released the pictures to promote the new Firestation instrument recently installed on the ISS.

eoimages.gsfc.nasa.gov / Via Nasa

The Firestation includes photometers to measure lightning flashes, radio antennas to measure the static (to help calculate the strength of the electrical charge), and a gamma-ray electron detector.

NASA said atmospheric scientists were interested in the processes that trigger lightning within thunderstorms and what kinds of lightning produce gamma rays.

Another lightning sensor is due to be added to the ISS in the next few years.

Click here for more information on the NASA mission.