Associative Electron Detachment in Sprites

Abstract

The balance of processes affecting electron density drives the dynamics of upper‐atmospheric electrical events, such as sprites. We examine the detachment of electrons from negatively charged atomic oxygen (O−) via collisions with neutral molecular nitrogen (N2) leading to the formation of nitrous oxide (N2O). Past research posited that this process, even without significant vibrational excitation of N2, strongly impacts the dynamics of sprites. We introduce updated rate coefficients derived from recent experimental measurements which suggest a negligible influence of this reaction on sprite dynamics. Given that previous rates were incompatible with the observed decay of the light emissions from sprite glows, our findings support that glows actually result from electron depletion in sprite columns.