Analysis of Ground-Based Observations of TLES From Spritacular Project Database

Spritacular is a citizen science project that was launched in October of 2022. It provides a space for anyone to submit their transient luminous event (TLE) images along with observational information, i.e. time, geographic location, direction, camera setup. Along with submissions, one can also help identify different types of TLEs in the images submitted. Since its inception hundreds of images have been submitted to the project database by its users. Not only does the database itself provide a record of observations, but these submissions allow for scientists with access to a wider array of observational platforms to obtain a better understanding of TLE’s without having to chase or hunt for them. Citizen science databases come with pros and cons when dealing with observational science and trying to work across different platforms.

Using this database, over one hundred sprites were found to have accurate pointing and adequate temporal resolution to attempt to match both ground based (National Lightning Detection Network [NLDN]) and satellite based (Geostationary Lightning Mapper [GLM]) sensors. A statistical analysis of these TLE properties as well as a discussion about the implications these measurements have on the hunt for TLEs both in current space based observational platforms such as the Atmosphere-Space Interaction Monitor (ASIM), International Space Station Lightning Imaging Sensor (ISS-LIS), and GLM or legacy satellite instruments such as the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite will be presented.