Role of meteoric dust in sprite formation

We show that ubiquitous small conducting particles of meteoric origin in th e mesosphere and stratosphere may explain some features of sprite occurrenc e and fine structure. The main processes involved are: electrostatic field amplification by microspires on the dust surface, "cathod-like instability" in their vicinity, autoemission and explosive emission of electrons. Addit ional observations, theoretical development and perhaps laboratory experime nts are warranted.