The Sprites Are Early This Year

First color image of a sprite, 1996

Although they have been observed for well over century it wasn't until the late 1980s that scientists photographed a sprite. We aren't talking about the garden variety here, this is a high-atmosphere lightning phenomenon that occurs in the blink of an eye over thunderstorms. Sprites usually appear in summer but they made early appearances over Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico this week. Dr. Tony Phillips at SpaceWeather.com has all the details.

Sprites occur around the planet and are best viewed in open, clear and dark skies where distant thunderstorms sit on or below the horizon. Our friends in the Great Plains have preferred seating for this show. At the same time, OTR wonders what the early appearance of sprites may hold for the rest of us.