© Frankie Lucena
Llanos Tuna, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
Latitude: 18° 3' 0'' N
Longitude: 67° 6' 46'' W
01 October 2016 0259 (Local Time)
Camera direction: towards SW
Image P/S code: P.14.1.1.4
Image I.D.: 5020
Sprites are large-scale but short-lived and weak luminous electrical discharges in the upper regions of the atmosphere that appear above large thunderstorm systems. The flashes appear predominantly red in colour. This image shows sprites above Hurricane Matthew over the Caribbean Sea as observed from Puerto Rico, over 600 km from the storm system.
Sprites are rarely seen with the human eye due to their faintness (comparable to a moderately bright aurora) and very short duration (typically up to 10 milliseconds). The observer must have completely dark-adapted eyes and a clear view above large, distant thunderstorms in a dark sky.
The horizontal streaks that can be seen in the picture across the dark sky are gravity waves emanating from the hurricane.
Links in the image description will highlight features on the image. Mouse over the features for more detail.
Links in the image description will highlight features on the image. Mouse over the features for more detail.
Sprites are large-scale, but short-lived and weak, luminous electrical discharges in the upper regions of the atmosphere that appear above large thunderstorm systems. The flashes appear predominantly red in colour and typically last for less than 10 milliseconds.
This time-lapse video taken from Cabo Rojo in Puerto Rico shows sprites occurring over 600 km away above Hurricane Matthew over the Caribbean Sea.
Links in the image description will highlight features on the image. Mouse over the features for more detail.
Sprites are large-scale, but short-lived and weak luminous electrical discharges in the upper regions of the atmosphere that appear above large thunderstorm systems.
This video shows a powerful discharge of lightning (seen at the bottom of the image) that results in sprites being triggered in the upper atmosphere (at the top and end of the video).
Links in the image description will highlight features on the image. Mouse over the features for more detail.