Thunderstorms over Africa

This impressive thunderstorm over Africa was taken on 14 March 2015 from 400 km above our planet. The thin yellow line surrounding the horizon is Earth’s atmosphere. Still images taken by ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti on the International Space Station were joined together to create this timelapse.

The astronauts on the Space Station spend as much time as possible on science. During her 40-hour working week Samantha runs many experiments from Italy’s ASI space agency and ESA, and takes part in even more from scientists all over the world.

Samantha is living and working on board the International Space Station as part of the six-strong Expedition 42 and 43 crew. Follow her Futura mission at http://samanthacristoforetti.esa.int.