Examples of sprites and sprite halos imaged by the University of Alaska from the Wyoming Infrared Observatory, Jelm Mountain, WY in 1999. The last example shows reignition of a sprite after ~50 milliseconds. Playback speed is 1/100 real time. A detailed analysis of Event #6 is contained in D.D. Sentman et al. (2008), Plasma chemistry of sprite streamers, J. Geophys. Res., 113( D11112), doi:10.1029/2007JD008941. (Music: excerpt from Beethoven's Violin Concerto.)
Here is a definition:
The dancing lights have appeared above most thunderstorms throughout history, but researchers did not start studying them until one accidentally recorded a sighting on camera in 1989.
"Lightning from the thunderstorm excites the electric field above, producing a flash of light called a sprite," said Colin Price, a geophysicist at Tel Aviv University in Israel. "We now understand that only a specific type of lightning is the trigger that initiates sprites aloft."
Researchers have detected the flashes between 35 and 80 miles (56-129 km) from the ground, far above the 7 to 10 miles (11-16 km) where usual lightning occurs. Sprites can take the form of fast-paced balls of electricity, although previous footage has suggested streaks or tendrils.
here's another one.......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAssnAcHz6Y&feature=related
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
