Rare Sprite Lightning Captured Above Mexico by NASA Astronaut
From her vantage point aboard the international Space Station (ISS), NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers recently captured a stunning image of a sprite, a rarely seen weather phenomenon, occurring above a thunderstorm over Mexico. these elusive events, also known as Transient Luminous Events (tles), are triggered by intense electrical activity within storm clouds.
What are Sprite Lightning Events?
Sprites are a type of TLE that occur high above thunderstorms. They appear as faint, reddish flashes in the mesosphere, the layer of the atmosphere between 30 and 55 miles (50 and 90 kilometers) above the Earth’s surface [1]. Unlike typical lightning, which strikes from clouds to the ground, sprites are electrical discharges that happen *above* the clouds.
Did You Know? The first scientific observations of sprites were made in 1989, although anecdotal reports existed for decades prior.
The Science Behind Sprites
The exact mechanisms that cause sprites are still being researched, but scientists believe they are related to large-scale electrical discharges within thunderstorms. These discharges create a temporary imbalance of electrical charge in the upper atmosphere, leading to the formation of sprites [2].
Why are Sprites Tough to Photograph?
Sprites are notoriously difficult to photograph because they are brief,lasting only a few milliseconds,and occur high above the Earth’s surface. They are also frequently enough obscured by clouds,making them hard to see from the ground. Astronauts on the ISS have a unique advantage in observing and photographing sprites because they are above the clouds and have a clear view of the upper atmosphere.
Pro Tip: To increase your chances of spotting sprites, look for powerful thunderstorms at night and observe the sky above the storm clouds with a sensitive camera.
International Space Station: A Unique Vantage Point
The ISS provides an ideal platform for studying sprites and other atmospheric phenomena. Astronauts aboard the ISS have a clear view of the Earth’s atmosphere and can use specialized cameras and equipment to capture images and data of these elusive events. These observations help scientists better understand the Earth’s atmosphere and the complex processes that occur within it.
| Phenomenon | Altitude | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Sprites | 30-55 miles (50-90 km) | Milliseconds |
| Typical Lightning | Below Cloud Level | Milliseconds to Seconds |
Evergreen Insights: Understanding Atmospheric Phenomena
The study of atmospheric phenomena like sprites contributes to a broader understanding of Earth’s electrical surroundings and its impact on weather patterns and climate. Continued research and observation are crucial for unraveling the mysteries of the upper atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sprite Lightning
- What are sprite lightning events?
- Sprite lightning events, also known as sprites, are Transient Luminous Events (TLEs) that occur high above thunderstorms. They are triggered by intense electrical activity within the storm clouds.
- Where do sprite lightning events typically occur?
- Sprites happen above the clouds, frequently enough at altitudes between 30 and 55 miles (50 and 90 kilometers). This is much higher than typical lightning, which occurs within or below storm clouds.
- How often are sprite lightning events photographed?
- Sprite lightning events are rarely photographed due to their short duration and the difficulty in capturing them from the ground. However, astronauts aboard the International Space Station have a unique vantage point for observing and photographing these phenomena.
- What causes sprite lightning events?
- Sprites are caused by large-scale electrical discharges that occur above thunderstorms. These discharges are related to the electrical activity within the storm clouds, but the exact mechanisms are still being studied.
- Why are sprite lightning events also called TLEs?
- TLE stands for Transient Luminous Events. This is a general term for short-lived optical phenomena that occur above thunderstorms, including sprites, elves, and other types of upper atmospheric lightning.
Have you ever witnessed a rare weather phenomenon? What other atmospheric events fascinate you?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
