SPECTRUM OF RED SPRITES

A synthetic spectrum of red sprites due to electron energization by th e electric field from lightning is presented. It is computed by using the electron distribution function obtained from a Fokker-Planck code, which includes various inelastic losses. The model also includes the atmospheric attenuation of the optical emissions. The results are comp ared with observed red sprite spectra. Some implications of the result s to models of red sprites are discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Lt d. All rights reserved.