Notes to NYT012103: Astronaut Captures Rare Images of Red Luminosities in the Skies: Sprites (discovered 1989): upper atmospheric optical phenomena associated with lightning; develop at high altitudes (30-95 km); red flashes of electricity shooting up from thunderclouds 13 miles into the ionosphere. Elves (1994), which are glowing red doughnut shapes radiating 190 miles; diffuse regions of luminosity. Phenomena last only mseconds. Now photographed from space shuttle. Until now, images have been limited to those taken from the ground or airplanes.

Sprite Photograph:

CREDIT: S. REISING; SOURCE: STANFORD/LOCKHEED-MARTIN

Other Links:
Sprites (Science Magazine)
Sprites and Elves (New Mexico Tech)