St.

Elmo's Fire: Glowing Plasma Discharge

St. Elmo's fire is a captivating atmospheric phenomenon characterized by the

appearance of glowing plasma discharges around pointed objects during
thunderstorms. Named after St. Erasmus of Formia, the patron saint of sailors, this
phenomenon often occurs on the masts, spires, and antennas of ships and buildings,
creating an ethereal blue or violet glow. St. Elmo's fire results from the
ionization of air molecules by strong electric fields generated during
thunderstorms, leading to the formation of luminous coronal discharges. While St.
Elmo's fire is typically harmless, it has long fascinated sailors and aviators as a
mystical yet awe-inspiring spectacle.