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Three photography enthusiasts based in the island nation have successfully captured images of “red sprites”, one of the rarest atmospheric displays on Earth, where bright red bursts manifest in the sky.

A Memorable Night of Discovery

The photographers began their evening to photograph the night sky over the Ōmārama Clay cliffs in the southern region of the country on 11 October, before encountering the rare phenomenon.

They thought they would be lucky to get clear skies that after-dark period, but their expedition transformed into “an unforgettable one,” a team member commented.

While reviewing his images for a stellar landscape and realized he had captured scarlet atmospheric flashes,” he explained. “It was unbelievable – it resulted in screaming and shouting and various reactions in the darkness.”

Defining Red Sprites

The scarlet phenomena are atmospheric energy releases in the upper atmosphere, produced by thunderstorms. In contrast to lightning that strikes downward to the surface, the phenomena propel upward towards the higher altitudes, forming appearances that look like columns, root vegetables or even marine creatures. The initial image of a such an event was captured – by chance – in that year, by a group at the University of Minnesota.

Momentary and Otherworldly Sightings

They are so brief – enduring only a thousandth of a second – that they are infrequently observed to the human sight, but one photographer was fortunate. “I happened to be looking straight toward an occurrence when it happened – pure chance looking at the correct area of the firmament and I observed a short crimson illumination,” he explained.

Observing the phenomena was a dream for this individual, an acclaimed night scape photographer. “It seems that you’re seeing an impossible sight, it feels otherworldly … it’s this very deep red colour that is present only momentarily, so it is captivating to observe.”

Technical and Creative Mastery

Recording a such an event requires a mastery of advanced imaging techniques, as well as an knowledge about scientific principles and innovative thinking, he stated. “This is a highly complex form of imaging that’s very rewarding as well.”

A different team member said it was among the “most amazing after-dark experiences” of his career. “I was able to observe the Milky Way illuminating above the skyline while these enormous red tendrils of energy swayed above a storm hundreds of kilometres away,” he explained.

An Exceptional Photographic Achievement

As far as he knows, there are no other images capturing red sprites and the southern hemisphere Milky Way in a single image.

“It represented a unique instance when you know you are seeing something you’ll probably never see again.”