Unusual Red Lightning Recorded in Skies
A group of photography enthusiasts operating in New Zealand have managed to photograph visual evidence of “red sprites”, among the least common light phenomena in the world, where luminous crimson flashes manifest in the heavens.
A Remarkable Night of Discovery
The photographers had originally set out to photograph the Milky Way over the distinctive clay formations in the South Island of the country on 11 October, and unexpectedly witnessed the rare phenomenon.
They thought they would be blessed to get clear skies that evening, but their shooting session became “a truly memorable experience,” a team member remarked.
Upon examining his files for a galaxy composite and discovered he had recorded red sprites,” he explained. “The discovery was astounding – there was a whole bunch of joyful noises and all sorts going on in the night.”
Understanding Red Sprites
Red sprites are bursts of electrical energy in the higher atmospheric layers, produced by thunderstorms. Unlike traditional lightning that shoots towards the earth, these events propel upward towards the higher altitudes, creating shapes that resemble columns, tapered shapes or even marine creatures. The initial image of a this phenomenon was captured – by chance – in the late eighties, by a group at the a academic organization.
Fleeting and Otherworldly Sightings
These events are extremely short-lived – enduring only a thousandth of a second – that they are seldom seen to the human sight, but an individual had a lucky break. “I happened to be looking right at an occurrence when it happened – an ideal happenstance viewing the correct area of the sky and I saw a momentary scarlet burst,” he explained.
Observing the events was a aspiration for the photographer, an honored dark sky artist. “It seems that you witness something that is not real, it appears mystical … the color is a profound crimson that is visible for an instant, so it is captivating to observe.”
Advanced and Innovative Mastery
Recording a red sprite requires a proficiency with technical photography, as well as an familiarity with atmospheric physics and creative flare, he said. “It is a deeply engaging category of art that’s highly fulfilling as well.”
Another photographer commented it was one of the “most amazing after-dark experiences” of his life. “I witnessed the galactic band illuminating above the horizon while these enormous red tendrils of energy swayed above a thunderstorm hundreds of kilometres away,” he described.
A Unique Photographic Achievement
As far as he knows, there are no further recordings capturing scarlet electrical bursts and the galactic core from the southern perspective in the same photograph.
“This was a singular occasion when you know you are observing a phenomenon that may not recur in your lifetime.”
