sprites
Noun 1. Atmospheric electrical phenomena: "Sprites" are a type of transient luminous event (TLE) that occur high in the Earth's atmosphere, above active thunderstorms. They appear as brief, large-scale electrical discharges, often characterized by red or reddish-orange light and complex, jellyfish-like or carrot-like shapes. 2. (In folklore and computing): While the primary definition in atmospheric science is distinct, the word "sprite" itself (singular) traditionally refers to a mythical, elf-like creature or, in computing, a two-dimensional bitmap graphic integrated into a larger scene. "Sprites" is the plural form of this word.
- Scientists captured video of massive red sprites dancing above the storm system.
- The research paper analyzed the correlation between lightning strikes and the formation of sprites.
- Pilots occasionally report seeing sprites during nighttime flights over turbulent weather.
- "Red sprites": This is the most common specific term, describing their typical color.
- "Sprite halo": Refers to the diffuse, pancake-shaped region of light that sometimes appears immediately before a sprite.
- "Sprite and elves": Often mentioned together, as "elves" are another, different type of TLE (Emissions of Light and Very Low Frequency perturbations from Electromagnetic Pulse Sources) that can occur concurrently with sprites.
- Sprite (singular noun): The singular form.
- A single red sprite was observed.
- TLE (Transient Luminous Event) (noun): The broader category of upper-atmospheric optical phenomena that includes sprites, elves, jets, and gnomes.
- Mesosphere (noun): The layer of the atmosphere, approximately 50-85 km in altitude, where sprites typically occur.
- Upper-atmospheric lightning (This is a descriptive synonym, though "sprites" is the precise scientific term).
- Red lightning (A common, non-technical name).
- Transient luminous event (The broader category).
- To trigger a sprite: A sprite is typically triggered by a powerful positive cloud-to-ground lightning strike.
- The intense lightning bolt is believed to have triggered the sprite.
- Sprite activity: Refers to the occurrence or frequency of sprites.
- Sprite activity increases during large mesoscale convective systems.
It is crucial to distinguish the atmospheric science term from other common uses: 1. Atmospheric Science: As defined above (e.g., The photographer specializes in capturing sprites). 2. Folklore/Mythology: A small, supernatural being or fairy (e.g., The story featured water sprites living in the pond). 3. Computer Graphics: A movable object or character in a 2D video game or animation (e.g., The game developer designed the enemy sprites). Context always clarifies the intended meaning.
-
atmospheric electricity (lasting 10 msec) appearing as globular flashes of red (pink to blood-red) light rising to heights of 60 miles (sometimes seen together with elves)
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ chứa "sprites"