Magasfény

Magasfény is a rare atmospheric optical phenomenon characterized by a brief display of intense light in the upper atmosphere. The term "magasfény" is of Hungarian origin and literally means "high light" or "tall light". Magasfény is often referred to as a type of sprite, a smaller-scale atmospheric plasma phenomenon.

During magasfény events, a sudden and brief burst of light appears above the horizon, often at altitudes above 30 kilometers. The spectacle is usually short-lived, lasting from a fraction of a second to a few seconds. Magasfény is typically observed at night, and its frequency is highly dependent on weather conditions, particularly thunderstorms.

Research suggests that magasfény is caused by the interaction of electrical discharges within thunderstorms with the upper atmosphere. The resulting ionization of the air produces a region of high electrical conductivity, which in turn allows the movement of electrical charges across the atmosphere, producing the bright light.

Similar to other rare atmospheric phenomena, such as ball lightning or St. Elmo's fire, magasfény remains poorly understood and is the subject of ongoing scientific research. Detailed studies of magasfény have only recently become possible with the aid of modern technology, including high-speed cameras and ground-based sensors.