Himalayan Red Sprites Tied to Rare Lightning in Groundbreaking Study

Researchers used astrophotographers' observations and innovative timestamping to link over 100 red sprites to mesoscale lightning events, revealing the Himalayan region's atmospheric complexity.

Astrophotographers Angel An and Shuchang Dong captured over 100 red sprites and other rare phenomena over the Himalayas in May 2022, including the first-known images of ghost sprites in Asia.
Researchers developed a novel timestamping method using star charts and satellite trajectories to link the sprites to high-peak current lightning strikes within a massive mesoscale convective system.
The event, spanning 77,220 square miles from the Ganges Plain to the Tibetan Plateau, recorded the highest number of sprites ever observed in South Asia.
The findings suggest that Himalayan thunderstorms may rival other global regions in producing intense upper-atmospheric electrical discharges.
The study’s methodologies highlight opportunities for citizen scientists to contribute to meteorological research using accessible tools and techniques.