Why Is St. Elmo's Fire More Common at High Altitudes?

💡 The Answer

• At higher altitudes, the air is thinner, reducing the voltage required to ionize it and create a corona.
• Aircraft at altitude often encounter strong electric fields in thunderstorm clouds, triggering St. Elmo's fire.
• Mountaintop structures like antennas and radio towers also frequently experience the phenomenon.
• The lower pressure allows the discharge to occur more easily than at sea level.