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Three photographers based in the island nation have managed to photograph images of “red sprites”, one of the most elusive atmospheric displays globally, where bright red bursts appear in the atmosphere.

A Remarkable Night of Discovery

The photographers began their evening to photograph the night sky over the Ōmārama Clay cliffs in the South Island of the country on a specific autumn evening, before encountering the rare phenomenon.

They thought they would be lucky to get clear skies that after-dark period, but their shooting session turned into “a truly memorable experience,” a team member remarked.

Upon examining his photographs for a Milky Way panorama and found he had captured crimson electrical bursts,” he noted. “We just could not believe it – it resulted in screaming and shouting and various reactions in the darkness.”

Understanding Red Sprites

These crimson flashes are electrical discharges in the higher atmospheric layers, produced by storm systems. In contrast to lightning that shoots towards the surface, the phenomena shoot upwards towards the higher altitudes, forming structures that are similar to pillars, tapered shapes or even marine creatures. The first photograph of a red sprite was taken – by chance – in the late eighties, by a team at the an educational institution.

Momentary and Ethereal Sightings

The phenomena last for such a short time – enduring only a thousandth of a second – that they are rarely visible to the naked eye, but one photographer got lucky. “I was coincidentally viewing right at one when it happened – pure chance viewing the appropriate section of the heavens and I saw a momentary scarlet burst,” he commented.

Observing the phenomena was a aspiration for the artist, an honored nocturnal imaging specialist. “It seems that you’re seeing an impossible sight, it appears mystical … there is an intense scarlet hue that is visible for an instant, so it is captivating to see.”

Technical and Innovative Mastery

Capturing a such an event requires a proficiency with technical photography, as well as an knowledge about scientific principles and artistic vision, the photographer said. “This is a highly complex category of art that’s extremely satisfying as well.”

Another photographer said it was among the “most incredible evenings” of his life. “I was able to observe the Milky Way illuminating above the skyline while these giant scarlet filaments of illumination moved above a thunderstorm hundreds of kilometres away,” he explained.

An Exceptional Photographic Achievement

To his knowledge, there are no additional photographs showing crimson flashes and the southern hemisphere Milky Way in one frame.

“This was a singular occasion when you know you’re witnessing something you’ll probably never see again.”