A lucky amateur astronomer has managed to film and photograph one of the most spectacular and rare space phenomena from Earth.
A stunning view captured on camera. Image Credit: David Finlay
There is a very rare space phenomenon known as the ‘lightning sprites.’ Australian amateur astronomer David Finlay was able to film astonishing images of this event he described as “backward lightning,” due to the fact that the rays travel into space and not down to Earth.
Finlay believes this event has never been filmed in Australia before, as he believes he managed to record one of the ONLY instances of the incredible red flashes, ever to be seen from Earth—and caught on tape—in such frequency.
Finlay is an amateur astronomer from New South Wales and was extremely excited when he managed to capture the ‘lightning sprites.’
Following the fury generated by these images, many experts in the world said they were surprised by the phenomenon since it’s very rare to capture it on video.
“I set my camera up, and literally within a few minutes – almost no time at all – I started seeing the sprites flashing on the horizon,” he said.
Finley couldn’t express how excited he was, and rightfully since the images and video footage are gorgeous.
“I couldn’t believe it. I assumed I would be lucky enough to capture one or two, which would have been fantastic, but they just kept happening.”
“I really lost count, but it must have been at least 30. It could be the first time they have been captured from the ground on video in Australia, and I don’t believe anyone else has ever captured so many at once in one go anywhere.”
The rare ‘lightning sprites’ were caught on camera between 9 pm and 11 pm, in the vicinity of Little Blowhole in New South Wales.
This rare phenomenon—lightning sprites—are produced by an electrical discharge that occurs during storms. However, instead of the lightning going down towards Earth, it travels up into space, reason why many refer to it as upside down lighting.
Sprites are massive discharges that occur high above thunderstorm clouds.
According to the Danish Meteorological Institute, In order for someone to film sprites from Earth, various special conditions must be met: 150–500 km of a clear view to a powerful thunderstorm with positive lightning between cloud and ground, a red-sensitive recording equipment, and a unlit black sky.
It seems that David Finlay had all of the above, as he managed to witness and record a phenomenon that only a few have before him.
The post One of the most spectacular and rare space phenomena has been captured on Video appeared first on Educate Inspire Change.