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Red Sprites, Blue
Jets, and Elves
Thunderstorms are capable of producing other forms of electrical phenomena as well. These electrical phenomena occur high in the atmosphere and are referred to as Transient Luminous Events (TLE).  http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/lightning/types/ Red Sprites- Discovered in 1989, Red Sprites are seen directly above a thundercloud generally at the same time as a cloud to ground strike. Red Sprites are faint and most commonly seen with highly sensitive cameras. Red Sprites often take the shape of jellyfish or columns and can extend up to 60miles above a cloud. Blue Jets- Blue jets can occur without the presence of a cloud to ground strike. They can extend up in narrow cones and will fan out around 30 miles. Elves Elves were discovered in 1992, using a low-light video camera on board a space shuttle. Elves are quickly expanding discs that can reach up to 300 miles across. They appear above active cloud to ground lightning and occur within the ionosphere. |
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