Early Results from Stratospheric Balloon Experiment to Study Red Sprites

An experiment using high altitude balloons to make electrodynamic measurements over and near Sprite producing storms is underway in Brazil. Direct electromagnetic measurements over Red Sprite producing storms have never before been made. Many theories exist which purport to explain the mechanism for Sprites. The goal of this experiment is to make measurements capable of distinguishing between these theories. Electromagnetic measurements in the near field region are needed to determine the initial conditions of the upper atmosphere in which Red Sprites form. This Sprite Balloon experiment is being flown in November/December 2002 from Brazil and involves stratospheric balloon-borne payloads to measure the vector electric and magnetic fields from dc to VLF frequencies. Electric fields from mV/m to kV/m will be made with high time resolution. Additionally, X-ray measurements are being made to search for direct evidence of any high energy particles which are generated in the Red Sprite process. The balloon payloads include broadband optical measurements to detect lightning, and to distinguish it from the light from Sprites. Additionally an aircraft carries low light level video imagers for independent verification of Sprites. Ground based data on lightning occurrence and weather conditions is incorporated into case studies of these electromagnetic and X-ray data to document the physics of Sprites and to help distinguish between various theories. We will report the early results from this experiment.