Nova: At the Edge of Space - 6 stars out of 10

Nova: At the Edge of Space - 6 stars out of 10

This documentary is a fascinating look at “sprites,” electrical discharges that resembles lightning.  Unlike regular lightning, these bursts shoot upward toward space and are miles tall.  It is fascinating to see this phenomenon and gain an understanding of why it happens, especially since you probably didn’t know it even existed.  “At the Edge of Space” traces the discovery and study of sprites, beginning with the first recorded sighting by a pilot in the 1970’s, moving to the modern understanding of sprites gained from space and airplanes, and ending with the science of how sprites work.  The information is easy to follow and will be interesting to anybody, regardless of your interest in science.  Just wait until you see it in slow motion!

[Pictured: Several of the sprites that are explained in the film]