A Strange Phenomenon Above Storms
Sprites, mysterious red flashes resembling lightning, were first recorded in 1989 by scientists at the University of Minnesota. They appear high above thunderclouds, occurring at altitudes between 30 and 55 miles in the atmosphere, far above where typical lightning strikes.
What Sprites Look Like
Unlike regular lightning, sprites flash in eerie red and often have tendril-like shapes. They occur for mere milliseconds, sometimes appearing in clusters that resemble jellyfish or columns with thin, branching tendrils below.
Elusive and Hard to Study
Sprites are difficult to study due to their brief appearance and high altitude. They are typically observed during powerful thunderstorms, usually at night, and require special camera equipment to capture their elusive nature.
A Growing Field of Study
Since the first recordings, scientists have uncovered that sprites result from large positive lightning strikes, but much remains unknown. Research continues as scientists look to understand these rare, fleeting flashes and their role in atmospheric processes.
Mysterious Red Flashes in the Sky ⚡️
A Strange Phenomenon Above Storms
Sprites, mysterious red flashes resembling lightning, were first recorded in 1989 by scientists at the University of Minnesota. They appear high above thunderclouds, occurring at altitudes between 30 and 55… pic.twitter.com/A1BcUaJC47— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) November 1, 2024