Rare Red Sprite Phenomenon Captured Over Yucatan Coast

Yucatan Coast, Mexico — A rare atmospheric phenomenon known as a red sprite was captured in a photograph over the Yucatan coast, showcasing a fleeting electrical discharge high above thunderstorms.

Social media user Juan José Chac shared the extraordinary image of the sprite, a transient luminous event that occurs at altitudes between 50 and 90 kilometers. These electrical discharges happen far above storms in the upper atmosphere, specifically the mesosphere.

Due to their brief duration—lasting only milliseconds—and their occurrence at great heights beyond common visual range, very few people have managed to observe and photograph sprites.

The characteristic reddish hue results from interaction with nitrogen in the atmosphere. In the image, the sprite’s base appears orange, corresponding to lightning within the cloud. A purple discharge connects to the upper atmosphere, while the red branching structures form the so-called “red sprite.”

Although pilots have reported sightings for years, scientists only confirmed the phenomenon in the late 20th century. In 2025, NASA astronaut Nichole “Vapor” Ayers captured a striking image of a sprite over Earth from the International Space Station, which various media outlets shared.