A few weeks ago, a powerful lightning strike lit up the skies over the Adriatic Sea, creating a remarkable scene. Above the northern Italian town of Possagno, not far from Venice, two rare atmospheric phenomena were captured in a stunning photograph—both at the same time.
Photographer Valter Binotto, known for his talent in capturing elusive weather events, took this unique shot. He’s previously won accolades for his photography. In this image, you can see an ELVE, which stands for Emission of Light and Very low-frequency perturbations, along with a spectacular sprite, a bright, jellyfish-like flash.
Binotto shares that he has photographed hundreds of sprites but has only captured three ELVEs, making this double event particularly rare. He described the scene on Instagram, noting how it showcases both phenomena perfectly. ELVEs occur when a strong lightning strike generates an intense electromagnetic pulse, visible as a red ring in the sky.
The bright colors we see in these events come from the excitement of nitrogen particles in the upper atmosphere. Similar red hues appear in the lower edges of the northern lights for the same reason—though in that case, the excitation comes from space.
What makes these phenomena so intriguing? They are fast and hard to study. Like lightning, they happen in an instant, lasting only milliseconds. Sprites can reach heights of 50 to 90 kilometers (30 to 55 miles) and remain elusive, making them a challenge for astronomers and photographers alike.
ELVEs and sprites aren’t just modern discoveries. While they’ve only been photographed since the late 1980s—the first sprite photos taken in 1989 and ELVEs identified in 1990—these events have been part of our skies for much longer. Their scientific naming often draws from folklore, with terms like TROLLs, Pixies, GHOSTs, and Gnomes making some people smile due to their whimsical nature.
So, what’s the takeaway for budding photographers? According to Binotto, it’s easier now than when he started over a decade ago. There are more resources available today, like this website that explains the phenomena and how to photograph them.
As we continue to explore the mysteries of our atmosphere, who knows what incredible sights await us in the future? With the help of modern technology and dedicated photographers, we may uncover even more wonders hidden above our heads.
