Is purple lightning a real thing?

Is Purple Lightning a Real Thing?

Purple lightning is a topic that has sparked curiosity among many people. While we often associate lightning with bright flashes of yellow or orange, purple lightning is a rare and intriguing phenomenon that has captured the attention of scientists and the general public alike. In this article, we will delve into the world of purple lightning, exploring its causes, occurrences, and the fascinating facts surrounding this rare weather phenomenon.

What is Purple Lightning?

Purple lightning, also known as red-purple lightning, is a rare type of lightning that appears as a deep reddish-purple color. This coloration is caused by the presence of a specific type of gas, known as sulfur dioxide, in the atmosphere. When lightning strikes, the hot plasma creates a bright flash of light, which is then refracted through the surrounding air. In the presence of sulfur dioxide, this refraction produces a reddish-purple hue.

Is Purple Lightning Rare?

Yes, purple lightning is extremely rare. In fact, it is estimated that only about 1 in 10,000 lightning flashes exhibit this distinctive coloration. This rarity is due to the specific conditions required for sulfur dioxide to be present in the atmosphere, making it a unique and fascinating phenomenon.

What Causes Purple Lightning?

Purple lightning is typically associated with thundersnow, a rare weather phenomenon that occurs when a thunderstorm produces heavy snowfall. When a thunderstorm produces heavy snow, the air is cooled to the point where sulfur dioxide is released from the ground, mixing with the snow and creating the characteristic reddish-purple color.

Types of Purple Lightning

There are two main types of purple lightning:

• Cloud-to-cloud lightning: This type of lightning occurs when there is a strong electrical discharge between two clouds, resulting in a bright flash of purple light.
• Cloud-to-ground lightning: This type of lightning occurs when there is a discharge of electricity from a cloud to the ground, resulting in a purple flash.

Interesting Facts about Purple Lightning

• Highest recorded occurrence: The highest recorded occurrence of purple lightning was in 2011, when a thunderstorm in Colorado produced over 100 instances of purple lightning.
• Frequency: Purple lightning is estimated to occur once every 100 years on average.
• Global distribution: Purple lightning has been reported in various parts of the world, including the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Conclusion

Purple lightning is a rare and fascinating phenomenon that is both beautiful and intriguing. While it is a relatively rare occurrence, the conditions required to produce purple lightning make it a unique and valuable subject of study for scientists and weather enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a seasoned storm chaser or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, purple lightning is a sight to behold.

Additional Resources

• National Weather Service: For more information on purple lightning and other weather phenomena, visit the National Weather Service website at www.weather.gov.
• American Meteorological Society: For more information on the science behind purple lightning, visit the American Meteorological Society website at www.ametsoc.org.
• Weather Channel: For live updates on severe weather and purple lightning, visit the Weather Channel website at www.weather.com.

References

• National Geographic: "Purple Lightning: A Rare and Beautiful Phenomenon" (2020)
• Weather Underground: "Purple Lightning: A Guide to this Rare Weather Phenomenon" (2020)
• American Meteorological Society: "Purple Lightning: A Review of the Literature" (2019)