A satellite survey has revealed the patterns of halos, sprites and elves-- brief flashes of light that appear in the upper atmosphere during thunderstorms. For more, view a video(1)/report(2) from New Scientist.

1. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=18CohZfw2DU
2. http://environment.newscientist.com/article/dn14581-atmospheric-homes-of-elves-and-sprites-revealed.html?DCMP=ILC-hmts&nsref=news4_head_dn14581