Unforgettable Capture: Photographer Defines the Night with Stunning Lightning Sprites and Milky Way Magic

While photographing the stunning night skies of New Zealand, Dan Zafra achieved a remarkable feat. He captured elusive red lightning sprites alongside the bright galactic core of the Milky Way. This unique combination might be a first for photographers.

Zafra, who runs the photography website Capture the Atlas, recalls the magical moment on the night of October 11. Clear skies allowed him to see flashes from a distant thunderstorm over the Southern Alps. Initially, he thought these were regular lightning strikes. “After a few test shots, I realized my camera captured red sprites,” he shared.

Red sprites are rare electrical discharges that occur high above thunderstorms, reaching heights of up to 56 miles. They last only milliseconds, making them hard to spot. Zafra says, “Even seasoned storm chasers might not see one in years.” Their rarity adds to their beauty.

Zafra was on the Clay Cliffs in New Zealand when he took these breathtaking images. He used a Sony a7 III camera and a 24mm lens, blending two exposures to create stunning visuals. He even made a timelapse video that showcases these fleeting bursts of energy.

First documented in 1989, red sprites occur when lightning strikes reach the ionosphere, and capturing them requires perfect conditions. The combination of weather phenomena and the Milky Way’s structure made Zafra’s experience even more special. “Witnessing everything align was something I might never see again,” he said.

Interest in such phenomena is growing. A recent study by the American Geophysical Union found that understanding sprites can help scientists learn more about atmospheric electricity. Public interest in these natural events has also surged on social media, where users share similar experiences and awe at nature’s wonders.

With technology improving, more photographers are trying to capture these fleeting moments. Zafra’s experience highlights how the natural world can surprise and inspire us, blending the weather with cosmic beauty in a single frame.

For more of his stunning photography, visit Zafra’s website at Capture the Atlas or check out his social media for updates.

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