Wildly Beautiful and Rare "Red Sprite" Flare Seen on Earth From Orbit
The image shows the rare electrical discharge in the shape of a starkly red, upended umbrella, hovering high over a brewing storm, like some sort of occult tower from "Lord of the Rings."
"Just. Wow," Ayers tweeted. "As we went over Mexico and the US this morning, I caught this sprite."
Being hundreds of miles above the surface of the Earth gave Ayers the perfect vantage point to watch the stunning event unfold.
"We have a great view above the clouds, so scientists can use these types of pictures to better understand the formation, characteristics, and relationship of [Transient Luminous Events] to thunderstorms."
https://twitter.com/Astro_Ayers/status/1940810789830451563
According to NASA, sprites can appear at altitudes of around 50 miles, which is far higher than where thunderstorms form. They often appear mere moments after lightning strikes, forming spiny tendrils of red plumes.
The otherworldly phenomenon, which was first officially observed in 1989 photographs, is still poorly understood. Scientists have yet to uncover how and why they form.
In 2022, NASA launched a "citizen science project," dubbed "Spritacular," to crowdsource images of the TLEs. According to the project's official website, over 800 volunteers have joined the effort, and 360 observations have been collected across 21 countries.
Other TLEs include elves, an acronym for "emission of light and very low frequency perturbations due to electromagnetic pulse sources," and jets, a type of cloud-to-air discharge that can appear as blue tendrils.
"While sprites [and other TLEs] may appear delicate and silent in the upper atmosphere, they are often linked to powerful, sometimes devastating weather systems," University of Science and Technology of China PhD student and TLE expert Hailiang Huang told National Geographic last week.
"Understanding them not only satisfies our curiosity about the upper atmosphere, but also helps us learn more about the storms we face here on Earth," he added.
Best of all, studying TLEs could even help us learn about distant planets: NASA's Juno mission found evidence of sprites and elves in the atmosphere of Jupiter as well.
More on sprites: NASA Crowdsourcing Investigation of Otherworldly "Sprites" in Sky
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Abinopharm, Inc. and EGT Synbio Announce Successful Human Clinical Trials on Oral L-Ergothioneine (Dr.Ergo®) for Skin Health
SHELTON, Conn., July 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Abinopharm, Inc., an innovative nutritional and biopharmaceutical company based in Shelton, Connecticut, USA, is pleased to announce that its partner, EGT Synbio, headquartered in Shanghai, China, has successfully completed two human clinical trials evaluating the effects of oral L-ergothioneine ( on skin health. Abinopharm, Inc. is the exclusive U.S. collaborator and distributor for EGT Synbio's premium L-ergothioneine product, L-Ergothioneine was first isolated in 1909 by French chemist Charles Tanret from the ergot fungus (Claviceps purpurea), giving the compound its name: 'ergo' from ergot and 'thioneine' denoting a sulfur-containing compound. Although ergothioneine is found in many plants and animals, it cannot be synthesized by them and must be acquired from fungi—especially mushrooms—and certain bacteria. In humans, dietary intake of mushrooms, particularly shiitake, maitake, and oyster mushrooms, which contain 10–13 mg/100 g dry weight, is the main source. For many years, the biological significance of ergothioneine remained obscure. This changed in 2005 when Professor Günther Gündemann discovered the ergothioneine-specific transporter OCTN1 (SLC22A4), which facilitates its accumulation in nearly all human tissues, particularly in the bone marrow, liver, kidneys, red blood cells, brain, eyes, and skin. Professor Barry Halliwell, a pioneer in the study of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress, later identified ergothioneine as one of the most potent natural antioxidants. He demonstrated its role in mitigating oxidative damage and inflammation—factors contributing to conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's), cardiovascular disorders, and liver disease. Studies have also shown that ergothioneine has high bioavailability, a long half-life in the human body, and offers cellular protection—particularly within mitochondria—thereby helping maintain cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and support healthy longevity. In 2018, renowned biochemist Professor Bruce Ames proposed that ergothioneine be classified as a 'longevity vitamin'—a micronutrient not essential for immediate survival but vital for long-term health and healthy aging. He suggested that low levels of ergothioneine may accelerate aging and increase the risk of chronic diseases. A Nutrient for Radiant and Resilient Skin Ergothioneine is a multifunctional skincare nutrient known for its antioxidant power, anti-inflammatory effects, and UV protection. It protects skin cell components—lipids, DNA, and proteins—from oxidative damage and premature aging, helps prevent photoaging (e.g., sunspots, collagen breakdown), soothes redness and inflammation (e.g., acne, eczema, sensitive skin), promotes even skin tone and radiance, supports collagen synthesis and elasticity, and enhances skin hydration. While ergothioneine has been used topically in cosmetic products for years, a 2024 Japanese clinical study confirmed its effectiveness as an oral "beauty-from-within" ingredient. In this study, participants who consumed a hiratake (oyster mushroom) tablet containing 25 mg of ergothioneine daily experienced significant improvements in facial skin moisture and overall skin condition (Frontiers in Medicine, 2024). New Clinical Results with Abinopharm and EGT Synbio now report results from two human clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of L-ergothioneine for skin health: Open-label trial in China (2023):Nineteen healthy participants consumed 25 mg of daily for four weeks. Dermatological assessments using the VISIA imaging system revealed visible improvements in skin pores, wrinkles, UV spots, brown spots, and porphyrins. No adverse effects were reported. Results were published in the American Journal of Biomedical Science & Research (DOI: 10.34297/AJBSR.2023.20.002779). Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in Japan (2024):Conducted by the Japan Clinical Trial Association (JACTA), this 8-week study enrolled 66 healthy women aged 35 to 59. Participants received 30 mg of daily. Skin parameters including brightness, tone, melanin, erythema, gloss, elasticity, and spots were measured using scientific instruments and questionnaires. After 8 weeks, participants showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.01) in brightness, elasticity, melanin levels, erythema, wrinkles, and skin gloss. No significant adverse events were reported. Details available at - and Safety Commitment is produced using a patented full enzymatic fermentation process (EP 4520819A1) under strict cGMP standards. It has been granted (Generally Recognized as Safe) status, NSF GMP certification, HACCP compliance, and HALAL certification. The product adheres to ICH quality guidelines, with purity and optical purity >99.9%. All impurities, heavy metals, and microbial levels are controlled within USP limits. About EGT SynbioEGT Synbio pioneers biological solutions for anti-aging. Its scientific team develops clinically validated compounds, including the premium L-Ergothioneine—an odorless, stable crystal ingredient used by global brands and certified by U.S. GRAS, EU Novel Food, and NSF. In 2024, EGT Synbio launched EquoPro™ (S)-Equol and Spermidine Hydrochloride, expanding its offerings in dietary supplements, skincare, and pharmaceuticals. Its ingredients are now widely used across functional foods, luxury beauty, and medical-grade nutrition. About Abinopharm, Inc. is a U.S.-based nutritional and biopharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing, and commercializing premium health products in the U.S. and globally. Its nutritional division specializes in longevity ingredients, partnering with leading academic and industry experts. The company's NMN ingredient (AbinoNutra®NMN) holds Self-Affirmed GRAS status and has been clinically validated in collaboration with Professor Andrea Maier. Other flagship ingredients include L-Ergothioneine ( Fisetin (BeFisetin®), Urolithin A, CaAKG, Spermidine ( S-Equol (EquoPro™), and Hydroxytyrosol. Abinopharm offers regulatory support (e.g., GRAS, NPN), as well as private-label solutions for supplements made in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Contact:Public ServiceAbinopharm, A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
NASA Wasn't Happy When Astronaut John Young Smuggled This Food Into Space
On March 23, 1965, NASA launched astronauts Virgil "Gus" Grissom and John Young into orbit on the Gemini III mission. The launch was the result of countless hours of preparation and research, and, of course, millions upon millions of dollars. Every detail of the mission was meticulously planned, including approved foods that could be eaten once up and out of the atmosphere. NASA didn't send many provisions on the mission (it was less than five hours long). In fact, there were only rations for Young. Young took it upon himself to smuggle in a meal for Grissom, one he knew that Grissom enjoyed. The sneaky astronaut tucked a corned beef sandwich on rye bread into his spacesuit without informing NASA, a move which the space giant (and Congress) wasn't happy about once the secret was uncovered. Once the astronauts were in orbit, Young passed the sandwich to his commander, who ate some of the sandwich but hid the remainder in his own pocket. It's unclear when NASA found out about the unapproved food, but the two rule-breakers were disciplined by their employer once the beef was out of the bag. The event even appears in the Guinness Book of World Records as the first food smuggled into space, further cementing the exchange in history. The sandwich (or rather, a replica caked in resin) and the incident is memorialized at the Grissom Memorial Museum in Mitchell, Indiana. You may be wondering what the big deal is. The fact is, any foods allowed to go out of this world are thoroughly vetted because certain items can be downright dangerous for either the astronauts or the spacecraft itself. Read more: Once Popular Sandwiches People Don't Eat Anymore Space food and menu planning are an important part of any space mission. Not only do the nutritional and caloric needs of the astronauts need to be taken into account, but logistics as well. For example, there's limited storage space. If a food is too bulky, it might get banned to prioritize smaller, more calorie-dense items. The lack of gravity is another factor, as is any mess potential. In fact, mess is precisely why bread is on NASA's list of banned foods. Bread crumbs will begin to float in the absence of gravity and could potentially end up in an astronaut's eye or in important equipment. Tortillas are NASA's preferred type of grain. For similar reasons, salt and pepper are also not allowed in space, but that doesn't mean space food must be bland. Liquid seasonings have been developed for astronauts to use. Carbonated drinks like sodas stay on earth. In space, the carbon dioxide (bubbles) in these beverages don't rise up and out of the liquid. If a person were to drink one in orbit, they'd be ingesting more carbonation than they would if they were drinking one on earth. This can cause stomach aches. Space food has come a long way since the first Mercury missions, where food was largely freeze-dried, unappetizing, and packaged in aluminum tubes. As space exploration has evolved, so has the menu for astronauts. It's unclear whether corned beef (which isn't the same as pastrami) on tortillas is allowed to go to infinity and beyond, but we do know that bacon already made it to the moon with NASA's approval. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout.
Wall Street Journal
an hour ago
- Wall Street Journal
‘Dinner With King Tut' Review: The Taste of Ancient Egypt
The science writer Sam Kean's all-in approach to research is evident not only from the ink on the pages of his books but from the ink on his skin. In 'Dinner With King Tut: How Rogue Archaeologists Are Re-creating the Sights, Sounds, Smells, and Tastes of Lost Civilizations,' Mr. Kean spends time with various specialists devoted to understanding the lives of our distant ancestors. In the course of his travels, he makes stone tools, tans leather, mummifies a fish and renders seal blubber into oil. The depth of the writer's commitment is tested when he meets with a Southern Californian tattooist proficient in ancient methods of body art. While he is, in his own words, 'not a tattoo guy,' the author feels obligated to submit to the artist's needle, settling on a small asterisk on his thigh. 'Given how universal tattooing was in prehistory, I realized I'd always have a gap in my understanding of life unless I sucked it up and got a hand-poked tattoo myself,' he writes, referring to the manual method some experts believe was used to ink Ötzi, a 5,300-year-old mummy discovered in the Alps. Traditional archaeology holds little appeal for Mr. Kean. He recalls time spent at archaeological digs, where he observed practitioners meticulously sifting through dirt, as 'such a letdown, the most godawful tedium I could imagine.' He's instead drawn to the burgeoning subfield of experimental archaeology (also known as experiential or living archaeology), whose adherents attempt to accurately replicate elements of ancient people's lives. Each chapter of this lively book covers a specific time and place, beginning 75,000 years ago on the African savanna and concluding with 16th-century Mexico. Stops along the way include ancient Egypt, Imperial Rome, Viking Europe and medieval China. Each chapter presents an overview of life during the period and introduces the experimental archaeologists Mr. Kean meets in his travels. (Some, it should be said, aren't technically archaeologists but are, in the author's fond description, 'screwball enthusiasts.')
