Understanding Light Streaks: Definitions & Causes

A streak of light is a luminous streak. It can refer to a:

* Lightning flash, an atmospheric discharge of electricity

* Streak (physics), a localized concentration of particles or energy

* Lens flare, the appearance of a bright streak or spot in a photograph

* Meteor trail, a streak of light caused by a meteor

* Light leak, a flaw in a camera or lens that allows light to leak into the image

* Sunbeam, a shaft of sunlight