Scientists Decode Green Glow of Rare 'Mesospheric Ghosts'

Excited Oxygen and Interplanetary Dust Contribute to Atmospheric Phenomenon

Scientists have discovered that the green glow of 'mesospheric ghosts', a rare atmospheric phenomenon, is caused by excited oxygen and metallic elements such as iron and nickel.
The phenomenon, which occurs above certain energetic 'sprites' or high-altitude lightning, was first observed in 2019.
The metallic elements contributing to the green glow are believed to come from microscopic particles of interplanetary dust hitting the planet’s outermost layers.
Only one in every 100 sprites develops a green ghost, making them extremely rare and difficult to observe.
Further study of these 'ghosts' could provide valuable insights into the elusive mesosphere, a layer of the atmosphere about 30 to 50 miles above Earth’s surface.