Photographers have captured images of more than 100 red lightning strikes above the Himalayas.
Red lightning over the Himalayas”>
In 2022, a remarkable atmospheric phenomenon unfolded over the Himalayan mountains. Observers documented more than 100 instances of red lightning, also known as sprites, above the South Tibetan Plateau, near Lake Pumoyongcuo.
This event is considered the most extensive red lightning sighting ever recorded in South Asia. The display was recognized in the Skyscapes category of the Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2023 competition.
Red lightning occurs in the mesosphere, approximately 30 to 50 miles above the earth’s surface. These fleeting flashes of bright red light last only milliseconds. Their unique shapes, frequently enough resembling jellyfish or tentacles, are caused by the interaction of electrical charges with nitrogen in the atmosphere.
In addition to the red sprites, observers also captured other rare phenomena, including secondary jets and green beams at the bottom of the ionosphere, known as Ghost Sprites.
A study published in *Advances in Atmospheric Sciences* suggests that this red lightning was triggered by positive lightning strikes from clouds to the ground with high peak currents. These strikes occurred within a large mesoscale convective system, spanning approximately 77,220 square miles from the Ganges Plain to the Himalayan foothills.
Researchers used innovative methods to synchronize video time using satellite paths and star field analysis, due to the lack of precise time recording at the scene. This allowed for a detailed analysis of the rare and complex red lightning phenomenon.
Convective System
Table of Contents
According to researchers, the event was triggered by a positive lightning strike with a high peak current in a massive mesoscale convective system.
This shows that lightning storms in the Himalayan region have the potential to produce some of the most intricate and intense upper atmospheric electricity releases on Earth.
The source of these sprites is located within the region’s storm systems.understanding the full picture requires time, accuracy, and advanced tools.
By using satellite path data and star field analysis to pinpoint the timing of each sprite, researchers connected them to the lightning discharges that caused the phenomenon. This technique may shape future studies of red sprite events, allowing for a deeper understanding of atmospheric activity during storms.
Red Lightning: Unveiling the Secrets of Sprites Over the Himalayas
What is Red Lightning?
Red lightning, also known as sprites, is a rare atmospheric phenomenon that occurs in the mesosphere, about 30 to 50 miles above the Earth’s surface. These fleeting flashes of bright red light last only milliseconds.
Where adn When Does Red Lightning Occur?
In 2022, a remarkable event unfolded over the himalayan mountains. Observers documented more than 100 instances of red lightning above the South Tibetan Plateau, near Lake Pumoyongcuo. The event was recognized in the Skyscapes category of the Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2023 competition. The most extensive red lightning sighting ever recorded in South Asia.
What Causes Red Lightning?
Red lightning is caused by the interaction of electrical charges with nitrogen in the atmosphere.These unique shapes, frequently enough resembling jellyfish or tentacles, are caused by electrical discharges high in the atmosphere.
how Are Red Sprites Formed?
A study suggests that red sprites were triggered by positive lightning strikes from clouds to the ground with high peak currents. These strikes occurred within a large mesoscale convective system, spanning approximately 77,220 square miles from the Ganges Plain to the himalayan foothills.
What Other Phenomena Are Associated With Red Lightning?
Observers also captured other rare phenomena, including secondary jets and green beams at the bottom of the ionosphere, known as “Ghost Sprites.”
How Are Scientists Studying Red Lightning?
Researchers used innovative methods to synchronize video time using satellite paths and star field analysis, due to the lack of precise time recording at the scene. This allowed for a detailed analysis of the rare and complex red lightning phenomenon.
Key Characteristics of Red Lightning
| Feature | Description |
| ——————- | ———————————————————————————————— |
| Location | Mesosphere (30-50 miles above Earth) |
| Appearance | Bright red flashes,frequently enough resembling jellyfish or tentacles |
| Duration | Milliseconds |
| Cause | Interaction of electrical charges with atmospheric nitrogen,triggered by positive lightning strikes |
| Associated Events| Secondary jets,green beams (“Ghost Sprites”) |
