15 Types of Blue Lightning vs. Regular Lightning: Latest Scientific Discoveries

7. Pixies: Miniature Marvels of the Storm

Comprising among the smallest and most elusive forms of blue lightning, pixies occur well below most other upper-atmospheric events. Usually just above the tops of thunderclouds, pixies are little, point-like flashes unlike ordinary lightning bolts, which can span kilometres. Recent research employing sensitive light detectors and high-speed cameras has found that pixies often occur in quick succession, producing a flickering effect that might last several seconds. This is not at all like the single, strong discharge of a normal lightning strike. Scientists have shown that the electrical equilibrium of thunderstorms depends critically on pixies. These small discharges help to transfer charge inside the cloud, therefore affecting the intensity and evolution of more major lightning events. This result could change our knowledge of storm dynamics and result in better techniques for severe weather prediction.