In a shocking show, astronauts aboard the Worldwide House Station (ISS) lately captured a lightning storm illuminating the skies above Singapore. The picture, taken in the course of the station’s orbit over Southeast Asia, reveals intense bursts of sunshine flickering by cloud cowl within the area.
What’s it?
The ISS sits in low Earth orbit, offering a singular vantage level for observing large-scale climate phenomena, occasions reminiscent of wildfires, volcanoes, snowfall and extra.
Because the ISS handed above the city-state of Singapore at 3:18 a.m. native time on June 15, the crew witnessed an electrifying storm with flashes of lightning throughout the panorama. The flash, which seems nearly spherical within the picture, is because of lightning hanging the clouds above the city space, in keeping with NASA.
The place is it?
The ISS was orbiting 259 miles (417 kilometers) above the South China Sea when this picture was captured.
Why is it superb?
Observing lightning from house affords essential information for atmospheric scientists. Singapore and the encompassing areas have plenty of storm exercise, making them hotspots for learning tropical climate patterns.
Whereas climate satellites orbit Earth and examine comparable patterns and phenomena, having an additional set of eyes, together with human ones, on and across the planet provides consultants extra information to work with, which will be helpful in growing extra correct modeling and forecasting frameworks.
Wish to be taught extra?
You may learn extra about the Worldwide House Station and Earth’s climate satellites as scientists proceed learning Earth’s local weather.
