The rapid emergence of red sprites, lasting only 1 millisecond, poses a challenge for scientists
European Space Agency (ESA) astronauts recently photographed a rare phenomenon called red sprites. Astronaut Andreas Mogensen took these images using a high-resolution camera for the Thor Davis experiment at the Technical University of Denmark. The experiment aims to investigate lightning in the upper atmosphere and its effect on greenhouse gas levels, thereby influencing global warming. Scientists estimated the dimensions of the red sprite seen in the astronaut’s images to be approximately 14 by 26 kilometers (8.7 by 16.2 miles).
“These images taken by Andreas are amazing,” said Olivier Chamlyon, lead scientist on the experiment and senior researcher at DTU Space. BBC.
“Davis’ camera works well, giving us the high temporal resolution we need to capture fast processes in lightning.”
What is Red Sprite?
Red sprites represent unusual weather events classified as Transient Luminous Events (TLEs). Also known as red lightning, this lightning occurs above thunderclouds at altitudes of 40 to 80 kilometers (25 to 50 miles) above the Earth’s surface. Unlike typical lightning that falls from a cloud to the ground, sprites work in the opposite direction and rise into the atmosphere, resembling a type of reverse lightning.
The rapid emergence of red sprites, lasting only a millisecond, poses a challenge for scientists aiming to capture and comprehensively study them. Because these phenomena occur above thunderclouds, they are difficult to observe from Earth and are primarily visible from space. Nevertheless, delving deeper into their features may provide important insights into upper atmospheric activity and provide valuable information for scientific understanding.
Rare sprites aren’t the only weather phenomenon you’ll encounter. Blue jets are also an example of temporary luminescent events.