Key Takeaways
1. Sprites are a type of Transient Luminous Event (TLE) that occur above thunderstorms.
2. They are found about 50 miles (80 kilometers) above Earth and last only a few milliseconds.
3. Sprites are typically reddish or reddish-orange and can be classified into three types: jellyfish, column, and carrot sprites.
4. Other TLEs include gigantic jets, blue jets, halos, and ELVEs, many of which are still not fully understood.
5. Visual documentation of TLEs helps researchers enhance their knowledge of these phenomena.
Sprites are part of a bigger group known as Transient Luminous Events (TLEs). TLEs are short yet intense bursts of light that are produced by thunderstorms. These phenomena happen above the storms and are different from the lightning we typically witness. While lightning usually strikes between clouds or from clouds to the ground, sprites are found much higher up.
The Nature of Sprites
Sprites, like the one that appears above the Château de Beynac, are the most common type of TLE. Despite their prevalence, they are not something you see often due to their high altitude and fleeting nature. They occur around 50 miles (80 kilometers) above the Earth and last for only a few milliseconds.
Colors and Categories
Typically, sprites are reddish or reddish-orange. Their fleeting and unpredictable essence is reminiscent of the fairies, known as sprites, in European legend. This is how they got their name. Sprites have a unique look, but minor variations in their form allow scientists to classify them into three types: jellyfish, column, and carrot sprites.
Other Transient Luminous Events
Other types of TLEs include gigantic jets, blue jets, halos, and ELVEs (Emissions of Light and Very Low Frequency perturbations due to Electromagnetic Pulse Sources). Many aspects of these events remain a mystery. Images like the one shown here help researchers gather more information to enhance their understanding of TLEs.
Source:
Link