Recent advances in theory of transient luminous events

This paper presents an overview of the recent modeling efforts directed to the interpretation of observed features of transient luminous events termed sprites, blue jets, and gigantic jets. The primary emphasis is placed on interpretation of various emissions documented to date from sprites and comparison of exiting models with recent high-speed video and satellite-based observations of sprites. We also discuss the recently advanced theories of blue jet and gigantic jet discharges describing electrodynamic conditions, which facilitate escape of conventional lightning leaders from thundercloud tops and their upward propagation toward the ionosphere. The paper concludes with a brief survey of the recent literature on chemical and global electric circuit effects of sprite and jet discharges.