St. Elmo's fire

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-002613",
  "term": "St. Elmo's fire",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "A continuous, luminous electrical discharge that appears as a faint glow or brush of light on pointed objects, such as mastheads, wingtips, or church steeples, during highly electrified atmospheric conditions. It is a form of corona discharge caused by a strong electric field in the atmosphere, often preceding or accompanying thunderstorms. This phenomenon is harmless and is not a form of lightning.",
    "The glow on a masthead produced by an extreme buildup of electrical charge. Unprotected mariners should immediately move to shelter when this phenomena occurs. Lightning may strike the mast within five minutes after it begins to glow."
  ],
  "synonyms": [
    "Elmo’s fire",
    "corposant"
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/st-elmo-s-fire/"
}