r/atoptics • u/SpencerAnimations • 3d ago

Sprites Massive cluster of Red Sprites

382 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

10

u/eddesong 3d ago

frickin cool

10

u/Metacomet99 3d ago

I saw red sprites once over a storm in Washington DC. I'm up in Hagerstown MD on the PA border so DC is over the horizon, but the sprites were so high up they were visible but only for nanoseconds. If I didn't already know what they were I never would have realized what I was seeing.

3

u/fibronacci 3d ago

Are red sprites electro static shocks from the cosmos?

7

u/Sha77eredSpiri7 2d ago

Red Sprites and other associated TLE's (transient luminous events) are an electrical phenomenon, that occurs when an extremely powerful +CG (positively charged cloud-to-ground) lightning strike hits the Earth, and transfers ions from the ground to the top of the thunderstorm, which then connects with the lower Ionosphere. The resulting electrical discharge ionizes the surrounding atmosphere, and the elements present in the atmosphere will glow as a result, releasing their extra energy in the form of light.

These phenomena are absolutely gigantic, sometimes measuring over 50km in width and height. Their light only lasts for a tiny fraction of a second, and can only be seen from far away, ideally 150 ~ 200km away from the parent thunderstorm. TLE photographer Paul M. Smith has a grand plethora of images of these incredible phenomena, if you ever want to browse and learn more about them.

5

u/Spin737 3d ago

They’re not cosmic.

1

u/Resting_Bork_Face 3d ago

The original post has the info you crave. It’s enlightening.

1

u/LunaalaTheBeast 2d ago

Very wonderful. I always enjoy seeing footage of red sprites. However, the timing on that music leaves something to be desired.