Abstract <p>The work is devoted to the experimental simulation of processes that occur in high-altitude atmospheric discharges called red sprites. Miniature analogs of columnar red sprites are formed in low-pressure air, including those observed with single discharge current pulses. It is shown that the brightly luminous “glow” region of the primary “columns” is due to the transition from the plasma diffuse jet mode initiated by a positive streamer to the quasi-stationary glow discharge mode. The emission spectra from various regions of the discharge system along its longitudinal axis are presented, as well as data on the electron <i>T</i>_e, vibrational <i>T</i>_v, rotational <i>T</i>_r and gas <i>T</i>_g temperatures of the discharge plasma in these places. Photographs of the discharge glow are taken when its mode changes.</p>