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| | | | | | | Earth observation
| | Lightning and sprite observation (LSO) | |
LSO
Lightning and Sprite Observation
Sprites are a meteorological phenomenon discovered in 1989, which have the appearance of a luminous glow extending from 30 to 90km altitude above thunderstorms. Sprites have a duration from a few milliseconds to few hundred milliseconds.
They occur after positive lightning strikes in relation to intense electric fields between the thunderclouds and the ionosphere (above 100 km). The aim of this experiment is to observe sprites during storms, determine the energy emitted by them in the visible and near infrared spectrum using digital microcameras, and compare this to nightly emissions of lightning. It is also planned to compile statistical data to determine the frequency of occurrence of sprites and their distribution over the Earth.
More about LSO »»
Last update: 16 February 2004 | |
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