What's Happening?
A photographer named Valter Binotto captured two rare atmospheric phenomena, an elve and a red sprite, simultaneously above the Alps on November 26, 2025. These transient luminous events are extremely
rare and last only a few milliseconds, making them difficult to capture. An elve is a red ring that can reach up to 480 kilometers in diameter, formed when a lightning strike sends an electromagnetic pulse into the ionosphere. Red sprites, resembling jellyfish, occur between 80 and 145 kilometers above the ground. This unique photograph could aid scientists in studying these mysterious phenomena, which remain largely unknown.
Why It's Important?
The capture of these rare phenomena is significant for scientific research, as it provides a visual reference for studying the elusive elve and red sprite events. These phenomena are not well understood, and the photograph could help scientists gain insights into their formation and characteristics. Understanding such atmospheric events can contribute to broader meteorological and atmospheric science, potentially impacting weather prediction and climate studies. The rarity of these events also highlights the importance of continued observation and documentation of atmospheric phenomena.
