These terms denote elusive optical phenomena occurring high above thunderstorms. Visualizations often resemble jellyfish or carrots, exhibiting fleeting bursts of light. The observed colors, stemming from excited nitrogen molecules, give rise to their descriptive names. These atmospheric occurrences are distinct from lightning and traditional auroras.
Study of these upper atmospheric discharges is significant for understanding the Earth’s electrical environment and its potential influence on the ionosphere. The phenomena offer insights into atmospheric processes at altitudes previously difficult to observe. Their infrequent appearance and short duration historically made them challenging to document, leading to limited scientific knowledge.
