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Astronomy Picture of the Day (Unofficial)

Astronomy Picture of the Day for 2023-09-18 12:30:01.785997

Astronomy Picture of the Day (Unofficial) at

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2023 September 18
A lone tree is seen on the right of a dark grassy field. Above and on the right, a bright red filamentary glow is seen in the sky. The filaments of this glow may seem similar to the branches of the tree. Please see the explanation for more detailed information.

The Red Sprite and the Tree
Credit & Copyright: Maxime Villaeys

Explanation: The sprite and tree could hardly be more different. To start, the red sprite is an unusual form of lightning, while the tree is a common plant. The sprite is far away -- high in Earth's atmosphere, while the tree is nearby -- only about a football field away. The sprite is fast -- electrons streaming up and down at near light's speed, while the tree is slow -- wood anchored to the ground. The sprite is bright -- lighting up the sky, while the tree is dim -- shining mostly by reflected light. The sprite was fleeting -- lasting only a small fraction of a second, while the tree is durable -- living now for many years. Both however, when captured together, appear oddly similar in this featured composite image captured early this month in France as a thunderstorm passed over mountains of the Atlantic Pyrenees.

Your Sky Surprise: What picture did APOD feature on your birthday? (post 1995)
Tomorrow's picture: star jets from webb

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