A New Kind of Upper Atmospheric Lightning?

Source - Space Weather News for August 31, 2017: http://spaceweather.com

A NEW KIND OF UPPER ATMOSPHERIC LIGHTNING? In recent years, photographers have catalogued a growing number of luminous forms apparently leaping up from the tops of thunderstorms. These so-called sprites, elves, gnomes, and trolls inhabit the upper atmosphere, reaching their weird-looking tendrils up toward space. On Aug. 14th, an amateur astronomer in New Mexico photographed a rare curving form of upper atmospheric lightning that has baffled experts in the field. Shaped like a funnel or a tornado, it might represent a new addition to the menagerie of sprites.

Read all about it on today's edition of Spaceweather.com

Image credit: Thomas Ashcraft 

Radiation "Clouds" Detected at Aviation Altitudes

Source - Space Weather News for Jan. 20, 2017: http://spaceweather.com

RADIATION CLOUDS AT AVIATION ALTITUDES: A new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Space Weather reports the discovery of radiation "clouds" at aviation altitudes. When airplanes fly through these clouds, dose rates of cosmic radiation normally absorbed by air travelers can double or more. 

Get the full story on today's edition of Spaceweather.com

Astronauts see "sprites" and "trolls" from Earth orbit

Source - Space Weather News for Aug. 20, 2015: http://spaceweather.com

This month, astronauts onboard the International Space Station have witnessed exotic forms of lightning that reach up from thunderclouds near Earth's surface all the way to the edge of space.  Their photographs of "sprites" and "trolls" dancing over Mexico are a must-see.  These forms can been seen from Earth's surface, too. 

Observing tips and more information are available on today's edition of http://spaceweather.com

Solar Storm Dumps Gigawatts into Earth's Upper Atmosphere

Source - NASA Science News for March 22, 2012

A flurry of solar activity in early March dumped enough heat in Earth's upper atmosphere to power every residence in New York City for two years. The heat has since dissipated, but there's more to come as the solar cycle intensifies.

The full story can be found here: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2012/22mar_saber/

A companion video is posted below and can also be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEFQHDSYP1I