Researchers explain rare 'red lightning' in Himalayas

Scientists have explained a mysterious "red lightning" phenomenon observed over the Himalayas in 2022. This stunning display occurred above thunderstorms and was captured by astrophotographers near Pumoyongcuo Lake in Tibet. The phenomenon, called "red sprites," involves bright red flashes that appear high in the atmosphere, resembling jellyfish. During this event, researchers noted the presence of 16 rare secondary jets and the first-ever sighting of green airglow in Asia. These events are linked to intense thunderstorms, which can produce various types of electrical discharges. Researchers used innovative methods to analyze the videos and photos of the red sprites, allowing them to connect these bursts to their parent lightning strikes. The study revealed that a specific kind of lightning, with a high current, triggered the red sprites. This lightning came from a large convective system that stretched over 200,000 square kilometers. Scientists believe that thunderstorms in the Himalayan region can create some of the most complex electrical discharges in the atmosphere. Overall, the findings indicate that these storms have the potential to generate even more intricate display of electrical activity, adding to our understanding of atmospheric phenomena.