Written by Michael Allen An international team of astronomers using NASA’s IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer), has challenged our understanding of what happens to matter in the direct vicinity of a black hole. With IXPE, astronomers can study incoming X-rays and measure the polarization, a property of light that describes the direction of its electric […]
A Tapestry of Tales: 10th Anniversary Reflections from NASA’s OCO-2 Mission
When woven together, the tapestry of experiences of staff and scientists provide the complete picture of OCO-2. Breathe in… Breathe out. This simple rhythm sets the foundation of life on Earth – and it’s a pattern that a NASA satellite has been watching from space for over a decade. On July 2, 2024, NASA’s Orbiting […]
A Gigantic Jet Caught on Camera: A Spritacular Moment for NASA Astronaut Nicole Ayers!
Astronaut Captures Rare Gigantic Jet from Space On July 3, 2025, NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers photographed an extraordinary sight from the International Space Station — a rare gigantic jet, a powerful electrical discharge shooting from the top of a thunderstorm into the upper atmosphere. Often mistaken for sprites, these towering lightning events bridge clouds and space, depositing massive electrical charges. Learn how gigantic jets differ from other Transient Luminous Events and how you can submit your own sightings to Spritacular.org.