![]() Since then, numerous observations and studies have been conducted, enhancing our understanding of this enigmatic phenomenon. In 1994, researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks captured the first high-quality video of a red sprite, revealing its unique structure and behavior. Red sprites can span several tens of kilometers in both horizontal and vertical directions and last for only a few milliseconds. They are typically red in color due to the excitation of nitrogen molecules in the atmosphere, which emit red light when they return to their normal state. Red sprites are massive, jellyfish-shaped discharges that occur at altitudes of 50 to 90 kilometers (30 to 56 miles) above thunderstorms. Credits: Copyright Thanasis Papathanasiou. Red Sprites On December 4, 2021, red sprites emerged over thunderstorms in the southeast Aegean Sea, as observed from the eastern suburbs of Athens, Greece. To further explore the captivating world of atmospheric light phenomena, don’t miss our comprehensive article, “Dancing Skies: A Guide to Atmospheric Light Phenomena,” which delves into various mesmerizing displays in the skies above. Halos: the diffuse, circular glow that occurs just below the ionosphere, typically accompanying red sprites.Elves: rapidly expanding, doughnut-shaped glows that occur at the base of the ionosphere and last for only a few milliseconds.Gigantic jets: large, blue discharges that reach altitudes higher than blue jets, often connecting the thunderstorm with the ionosphere.Blue jets: upward-moving, cone-shaped bursts of blue light that originate from the tops of thunderstorms.Red sprites: large-scale electrical discharges that occur high above thunderstorms, characterized by their red hue.They are classified into several types, including: Transient Luminous Events (TLEs) are short-lived optical phenomena that occur in the upper atmosphere, usually in connection with thunderstorm activity. Transient Luminous Events: A Brief Overview In this blog post, we will delve into the science behind these extraordinary events and explore how they differ from one another. Among these mysterious events are red sprites and blue jets, which have captured the attention of both scientists and weather enthusiasts alike. However, there are other fascinating phenomena that occur high above thunderstorms, known as Transient Luminous Events (TLEs). When we think of lightning, we usually envision bolts of electricity striking the ground in a brilliant display of nature’s power. ![]()
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