In electrostatics, we get into the basic concepts for how we think 'normal' lightning is formed. Ice crystals bumping and rubbing together in a storm cloud is the friction needed to separate charge, and turn a cloud into a large battery or capacitor.
But "blue jet" lightning can be observed both on the ground and from outer space. This article has a wonderful photo from the space station, which captured the flash with certain detectors. Scientists are working on understanding this process fully - the blue glow is due to mostly nitrogen being in the upper reaches of the atmosphere, before heading into outer space.
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