NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick recently shared a mesmerizing image of lightning over India from space, capturing the awe of viewers worldwide. Taken from the International Space Station (ISS), the photograph showcases a single lightning bolt illuminating the night sky over India. Dominick posted the image on August 17, 2024, on social media, where it quickly garnered over a million views.
In his post, Dominick explained his technique: “Lightning at night over India. When trying to capture lightning in an image, I use burst mode and hope it strikes in the frame. No crop needed.” The photo, taken with a high-speed camera, perfectly frames the lightning bolt against Earth, creating a striking visual.
Dominick also provided additional details in response to comments, explaining that the streaks of light from boats were caused by the ISS’s rapid orbital speed and the camera’s exposure time. He further noted that a blur over a city in the image was likely due to light haze, clouds, and the station’s movement.
The photo received widespread praise on social media, with users describing it as one of the most fascinating images they’ve seen. Dominick, known for sharing breathtaking images from the ISS, continues to offer a unique perspective on our planet, showcasing the beauty of natural phenomena and the advanced technology required to capture such moments from space.
