Altitude-time development of sprites

[1] Data from sprites using a 16-channel, multi-anode photometer (MAP) have been recorded at 0.1 ms resolution. The majority of the sprites have onsets at an altitude of 70-75 km and subsequently propagate both upward and downward from this initial altitude. The statistical lifetime of the emissions measured by the blue-sensitive MAP is approximately 1.3 ms. The velocities of propagation are between 10(7) and 10(8) m s(-1), with larger velocities being measured at higher altitudes. The larger propagation velocities of the upward and downward sprite luminosity channels are consistent with the characteristics of highly over-voltage streamers in the mesosphere.