Introduction to Gigantic Jets
A photographer captured a rare phenomenon on video during thunderstorms in Puerto Rico. The phenomenon, known as a gigantic jet, is a Transient Luminous Event (TLE) and looks like upside-down red lightning. It’s a rare thing to see in person, let alone capture on camera. In the short video clip, a quick little burst of red flashed through the sky, before quickly disappearing.
What are Gigantic Jets?
Gigantic jets are powerful types of electrical discharges that extend from the top of a thunderstorm into the upper atmosphere. NASA said gigantic jets are seen by chance. A slowed-down version of the video showed the gigantic jet, with a purpleish-pink hue at the base, before flaring into bright red branches in the sky.
Gigantic jets appear when the turbulent conditions at towering thunderstorm tops allow for lightning to escape the thunderstorm, propagating upwards toward space.
Recent Discovery of Gigantic Jets
In July, NASA astronaut Nichole "Vapor" Ayers captured a photo of a gigantic jet while aboard the International Space Station. For a brief time, it was debated if what Ayers caught on camera was a gigantic jet or another TLE called a sprite. Sprites can appear similar to gigantic jets but occur much higher in the atmosphere.
NASA determined in August that the photo Ayers caught from the ISS was a gigantic jet.
Other Types of Transient Luminous Events
More related phenomenons include ELVEs, blue jets and ghosts, all of which are known TLEs, and occur well above Earth’s surface in the stratosphere, mesosphere and even the thermosphere.
A slowed version of video showed the gigantic jet in full from the ground.
NASA astronaut Nichole "Vapor" Ayers captured a stunning photo of a rare red TLE known as a gigantic jet, above a thunderstorm around the Desert Southwest.
Conclusion
Gigantic jets are rare and powerful electrical discharges that extend from the top of a thunderstorm into the upper atmosphere. They are seen by chance and can be difficult to capture on camera. However, with the help of NASA and other organizations, we are able to learn more about these events and their relationship to other types of Transient Luminous Events.
FAQs
Q: What is a gigantic jet?
A: A gigantic jet is a powerful type of electrical discharge that extends from the top of a thunderstorm into the upper atmosphere.
Q: How are gigantic jets formed?
A: Gigantic jets appear when the turbulent conditions at towering thunderstorm tops allow for lightning to escape the thunderstorm, propagating upwards toward space.
Q: What is the difference between a gigantic jet and a sprite?
A: Sprites can appear similar to gigantic jets but occur much higher in the atmosphere.
Q: Where can I learn more about gigantic jets and other types of Transient Luminous Events?
A: You can learn more about gigantic jets and other types of Transient Luminous Events at foxweather.com.
