Astronaut Matthew Dominick recently shared a breathtaking photograph from space, the lightning in India. It’s a unique perspective on one of nature’s most dramatic lightning displays.
The photo from the International Space Station (ISS) captures a massive lightning strike illuminating the night sky over India. The image demonstrates our planet’s power and wonder, as seen from a vantage point few of us will ever experience.
From the ISS, orbiting about 400 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, lightning looks like delicate veins of light threading through the dark landscape below. In this particular image, the lightning strike is perfectly centered over India, making it even more striking. The sheer scale and the clarity of the image are awe-inspiring.
Capturing such an image from space isn’t easy. Astronauts aboard the ISS often photograph the Earth using sophisticated cameras and techniques. In this case, Dominick likely used a high-speed camera capable of shooting in low-light conditions to freeze when the lightning struck. The result is a crisp, clear image that doesn’t require cropping—a testament to the skill and timing involved in capturing it.
Matthew Dominick shares on the social media platform X:
Lightning at night over India.
When trying to capture lighting in an image I use burst mode and hope lighting strikes in the frame. I was super happy when this lightning strike ended up in the middle of the frame. No crop needed.
1/5s, 85mm, f1.4, ISO 6400
People sounded curious and excited about the photo.
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You have internet at the space station ?
And how is it linked to earth can you explain ?
The speeds are super slow ?
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We heard a sudden loud blast of lightening yesterday in Pune, Maharashtra, it was more than what we generally hear. Is it possible this was in the vicinity of Pune?
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For those of us on Earth, photographing lightning can be a challenge. Most photographers rely on burst mode, taking a series of rapid shots in the hopes that one will capture the lightning strike within the frame. Patience, timing, and a bit of luck are essential. A fast lens, like an 85mm f/1.4, and a high ISO setting can help, allowing more light into the camera and increasing the chances of catching that perfect shot.
But even with the best equipment, capturing lightning from Earth pales in comparison to the view from space. Dominick’s image not only showcases the beauty of lightning but also underscores the incredible vantage point of astronauts. They can observe our planet from high above in ways that reveal its true grandeur. This photo is more than just a snapshot; it’s a reminder of the wonders that lie beyond our everyday experiences, waiting to be discovered and appreciated.
