Night-Sky Enthusiast Guides NASA Scientist on a Sprite-Chasing Adventure

Paul Smith, a dedicated night-sky enthusiast and photographer, has a passionate fascination with sprites – the spectacular bursts of light that dance across the upper atmosphere during thunderstorms. In a display of his commitment to this interest, he led Dr. Burcu Kosar, a NASA scientist, on a journey through the remote byways of Oklahoma last October. Despite her extensive 15-year research experience on sprites, Dr. Kosar had never before embarked on a personal quest to witness one up close.