In a surprising show, astronauts aboard the Worldwide House Station (ISS) not too long ago captured a lightning storm illuminating the skies above Singapore. The picture, taken in the course of the station’s orbit over Southeast Asia, exhibits intense bursts of sunshine flickering via cloud cowl within the area.
What’s it?
The ISS sits in low Earth orbit, offering a novel vantage level for observing large-scale climate phenomena, occasions akin to 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 placing the clouds above the city space, in accordance 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 wonderful?
Observing lightning from house affords essential knowledge for atmospheric scientists. Singapore and the encircling areas have plenty of storm exercise, making them hotspots for finding out tropical climate patterns.
Whereas climate satellites orbit Earth and research comparable patterns and phenomena, having an additional set of eyes, together with human ones, on and across the planet provides consultants extra knowledge to work with, which may be helpful in growing extra correct modeling and forecasting frameworks.
Wish to be taught extra?
You possibly can learn extra in regards to the Worldwide House Station and Earth’s climate satellites as scientists proceed finding out Earth’s local weather.
