ISS Time-Lapse Reveals Lightning and Strange Red Light

Nearing the conclusion of his six-month stint aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick has revealed a stunning time-lapse video capturing Earth from space.

The mesmerizing footage features a large portion of Asia illuminated during nighttime, as the ISS orbited approximately 250 miles above the planet. Dominick’s video showcases vivid flashes of lightning across vast regions, together with radiant city lights and colorful glows from fishing vessels below. He calls the sight of fishing boats at night “one of my favorite things to see from the ISS.” However, he also identifies a mysterious bright red light, the origins of which he remains uncertain about.

Timelapse traveling Northeast over Southeast Asia.

In order of appearance:
* Countless lightning strikes
* Colored lights from fishing boats – one of my favorite views from the ISS
* The contrast of city lights on the Korean Peninsula
* Red lights north of… pic.twitter.com/vN5VnCKirb

— Matthew Dominick (@dominickmatthew) September 14, 2024

Following the release of this captivating clip, some viewers speculated that the red light might signify volcanic activity, while others suggested it could be associated with commercial squid fishing boats that utilize bright red illumination to draw in their catch.

One commenter noted, “Those red lights come from a massive fishing fleet east of Hokkaido,” indicating that the visual patterns appear in similar night views captured by the SuomiNPP satellite.

Throughout his six months in orbit, Dominick has shared breathtaking images not only of Earth but also of celestial phenomena and the interior of the ISS itself. As SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission approaches next month, Dominick and the other Crew-8 members are set to return home in October.

While many will miss the incredible visual experiences provided by Dominick, fellow astronaut Don Pettit, who recently joined the station, is known for capturing impressive imagery. Space enthusiasts eagerly await what he will produce in the following months. Just recently, Pettit documented a remarkable moment of SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn spacecraft re-entering Earth’s atmosphere after an impressive five-day mission.