Transient luminous occasions showing above thunderstorms characterize a fascinating phenomenon. These transient optical emissions, occurring within the mesosphere and decrease ionosphere, manifest as numerous types of illumination. Examples embody sprites, that are reddish bursts; elves, characterised by quickly increasing halos; and jets, that are cone-shaped discharges extending upward from cloud tops.
Understanding these occurrences contributes considerably to atmospheric science. Their examine offers insights into {the electrical} exercise inside thunderstorms and the complicated interactions between the decrease and higher environment. Traditionally, observations have been rare and infrequently dismissed, however developments in observational know-how have allowed for extra detailed and systematic investigation, revealing their prevalence and affect on atmospheric processes.