An electrical discharge, like that found in a neon sign, occuring in nature on pointed objects during electrical storms. Such phenomenon occasionally occur in the ash cloud of a volcano.
A bright electric discharge that is projected from objects (usually pointed) when they are in a strong electric field, such as a thunderstorm.
The eerie glow sometimes seen on cattle's long horns during a lightning storm. It is caused by brush like discharges of atmospheric electricity and commonly accompanied by a crackling or fizzing noise. The discharge also appears as a tip of light on the extremities of such pointed objects as church towers or the masts of ships during stormy weather. The light was so named because St. Elmo is the patron saint of Mediterranean sailors, who regard St. Elmo's fire as the visible sign of his guardianship over them.
A luminous, and often audible, electric discharge that is sporadic in nature. It occurs from objects, especially pointed ones, when the electrical field strength near their surfaces attains a value near 1000 volts per centimeter. It often occurs during stormy weather and might be seen on a ship's mast or yardarm, aircraft, lightning rods, and steeples. Also known as corposant or corona discharge.
St. Elmo's Fire, released in 1985, was one of the defining movies of the 1980s brat pack genre. Its major stars, slick editing and production and its soundtrack made it a financial (although not a critical) success.
"St. Elmo's Fire" is the third song on Brian Eno's 1975 album, Another Green World. The song is one of only four songs on the album that follow traditional song structure and are not pure ambient tracks.
"St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)" is a song recorded by John Parr. It hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on September 7 in 1985.