NASA debunks mystery behind 'Red Jellyfish Lights’ above Earth’s storms

NASA confirms the viral red “jellyfish lights” are natural red sprites (Image: X/@NASAScience_)

Mysterious red lights appeared high above global thunderstorms recently. These jellyfish-shaped flashes triggered widespread online speculation and confusion. NASA scientists have now confirmed their true atmospheric identity. The phenomenon is known as a red sprite lightning discharge.

Red sprites are rare electrical flashes above powerful storm systems. They glow reddish due to nitrogen interactions in upper air. The events form in the mesosphere around 50 to 90 kilometres. They last milliseconds but create dramatic, sprawling jellyfish-like shapes.

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station photographed the sprites. NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers photographed one of the most striking recent sprites during an orbital pass over a powerful storm system.

This fleeting red flash above a thunderstorm cloud is one of Earth's most elusive electrical phenomena!

They're called sprites! Fun fact: This image was captured by citizen scientist Nicolas Escurat through the citizen science project Spritacular. ✨ pic.twitter.com/ER5uyB5wnO — NASA Science (@NASAScience_) December 5, 2025

Citizen scientists contributed thousands of images through NASA’s Spritacular programme. These combined observations helped experts decode recent viral sightings. Public excitement grew as images circulated widely across social platforms.

Red sprites appear worldwide above intense thunderstorm clusters each year. They strike upward, not downward like normal lightning bolts. Their formation zone sits far above commercial aviation flight paths. Most sightings come from space or specialised ground-based cameras.

These sprites reveal the dynamic electrical behaviour of the upper atmosphere. They help researchers understand energy transfer during major storm systems. They also provide clues about long-distance electromagnetic disturbances globally. Their brief visibility makes them difficult but valuable for study.

NASA clarified that sprites are natural and not alien signals. Scientists stressed their scientific origins after online theories spread widely. The agency highlighted decades of research confirming sprite characteristics. Clear evidence now replaces speculation about these red lights.