Rare Lightning Phenomena Captured: Transient Luminous Events | Astronomy

Rare ‘ELVE’ and Sprite Display Captured in Stunning Italian Sky Photo

A breathtaking image captured on November 26 showcases an exceptionally rare atmospheric phenomenon – the simultaneous appearance of an ELVE and a sprite – over northern Italy. The stunning photograph, taken by nature photographer Valter Binotto, provides a glimpse into the mysterious world of transient luminous events occurring high above thunderstorms.

A senior atmospheric scientist described the event as “a remarkable convergence of atmospheric conditions,” adding that witnessing either an ELVE or a sprite is uncommon, let alone capturing both in a single frame.

did you know? – Transient luminous events were first documented in the late 1980s,largely thanks to observations from high-altitude aircraft and video recordings. Prior to that, they remained largely unseen due to their fleeting nature.

Unveiling the Transient Luminous Events

These captivating displays are part of a family of transient light phenomena that develop not within thunderstorms, but rather at the edge of the airspace, in the rarefied air above them.Unlike customary lightning, which strikes between clouds or to the ground, ELVEs and sprites are fleeting and difficult to observe.

ELVEs – Emissions of Light and Very low frequency perturbations due to Electromagnetic pulse sources – manifest as enormous, reddish rings that can span up to 480 kilometers in diameter. They last for less than a millisecond, making them incredibly challenging to photograph. Sprites, on the other hand, often resemble crimson jellyfish or delicate tendrils rising above active thunderstorms. They are equally unpredictable and short-lived, typically lasting only milliseconds.

Pro tip – To photograph these events, use a camera with high ISO capabilities and a fast shutter speed. video recording at a high frame rate increases the chance of capturing the brief flashes of light.

A Photographer’s Precision

binotto, based in Possagno at the foot of the Italian Alps, successfully captured this unusual event using a Sony A7S camera equipped with a 50mm f/1.4 lens. The image is a single frame extracted from a video recording shot at 25 frames per second, highlighting the photographer’s dedication and technical skill.

“Capturing both phenomena in one image is extraordinary,” one photography expert noted. The fleeting nature of these events demands precise timing and specialized equipment.

The Science Behind the Spectacle

These transient luminous events are believed to be triggered by the electromagnetic pulse produced by powerful positive lightning strikes. The pulse travels upwards, exciting nitrogen molecules in the upper atmosphere and causing them to emit light. While research continues, scientists are increasingly focused on understanding the role these events play in the Earth’s atmospheric electrical circuit.

.

The photograph serves as a powerful reminder of the hidden wonders occurring in our atmosphere,even as we experience familiar weather patterns below. The image captured on November 26 is a testament to both the beauty of nature and the dedication of those who strive to document its most elusive displays.

Reader question – Have you ever witnessed unusual atmospheric phenomena? What did it look like, and where were you when you saw it? Share your thoughts!