Astronaut Photographs Rare Purple Lightning From Orbit

From 250 miles above Earth, the atmosphere reveals phenomena hidden to those on the ground. Astronaut Don Pettit recently captured vivid purple lightning erupting through cloud tops, providing a rare look at intense electrical storms from the unique vantage point of the International Space Station.

Editorial·August 22, 2026·reads: 3,442

Astronaut Photographs Rare Purple Lightning From Orbit

These massive thunderheads reach altitudes of 50,000 feet, far exceeding the cruising range of commercial aircraft. Because these storms grow so high into the atmosphere, they are best observed from orbit rather than from the surface. To document the event, Pettit utilized a Nikon Z9 camera, specifically choosing a 1/1200th shutter speed and a 120fps frame rate to isolate the intricate electrical discharges within the clouds.

The resulting imagery showcases the distinct purple hue that characterizes these high-altitude strikes, a visual contrast against the dark backdrop of the planet. Pettit’s technical approach allowed for high-fidelity detail, turning an ephemeral atmospheric flash into a clear, frozen moment of orbital photography.