What thunderstorm looks like from space: Astronaut shares unique video
The view of thunderstorm on Earth from space is stunning (photo: nasa.gov)
Astronaut Marcus Wandt, who participated in the Axiom-3 expedition aboard the International Space Station (ISS), has shared breathtaking footage of a thunderstorm on Earth as seen from space.
Capturing the storm's essence
Swedish astronaut Marcus Wandt, during his more than two-week stint aboard the ISS, captured mesmerizing footage of a powerful thunderstorm raging on Earth. "Thunderstorms are powerful and beautiful phenomena to witness, also from space," emphasized Wandt in his post.
He acknowledged his luck in being able to "capture a pretty spectacular thunderstorm" while testing a new camera designed for detailed observations of clouds and the study of lightning's impact on upper atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.
Thunderstorms are powerful and beautiful phenomena to witness, also from space.
— Marcus Wandt (@astro_marcus) February 13, 2024
I was lucky to catch a pretty spectacular thunderstorm during my first session with the Thor-Davis experiment from the @Space_Station.
We hope to help scientists to better understand… pic.twitter.com/awmSfQpJoL
Contribution to scientific understanding
According to the astronaut, such footage can help scientists to "better understand upper-atmosphere dynamics and chemistry in a changing climate. Results could improve climate, atmosphere, and weather models."
Furthermore, findings from such research endeavors could enhance climate, atmospheric, and weather modeling.
