India, July 4 -- A rare atmospheric phenomenon known as a 'sprite' was recently captured from space by NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers while orbiting above Mexico and the United States.

Sharing the image on social media, Ayers expressed her amazement, saying, "Just. Wow. As we went over Mexico and the US this morning, I caught this sprite."

Sprites are a type of Transient Luminous Event (TLE), brief bursts of light that occur high above thunderstorms. These striking displays are triggered by intense electrical activity in the storm clouds below and can only be seen from above or in rare atmospheric conditions.

Explaining the scientific significance, Ayers added, "We have a great view above the clouds, so scientists can use these types of ...