There Is Some Mighty Weird Stuff Going On Up There
Photographers and observers have captured rare atmospheric phenomena known as Transient Luminous Events flashing above thunderstorms in France, Corsica, and Spain. These occurrences include red sprites and giant red lightning resembling jellyfish, alongside giant pillars of light falling from the skies. These high-altitude electrical discharges take place above active storm systems, lasting for only a few milliseconds. While observers continue to document these fleeting displays across Europe, researchers note that such unusual atmospheric anomalies have fascinated skywatchers for decades following their initial accidental documentation.
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- ✓ Rare red sprites and giant red lightning have been photographed flashing above thunderstorms in France and Corsica.
- ✓ Giant pillars of light were observed falling from skies over Spain amid thunderstorms.
- ✓ Researchers testing a camera in Minnesota accidentally filmed red flashes above a storm for the first time in 1989.
What changed
Multiple recent sightings of rare red sprites and giant pillars of light have been documented and photographed above thunderstorms in France, Spain, and Corsica.
Live updates
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Rare Transient Luminous Events Flash Across European Skies
Photographers and observers have captured rare atmospheric phenomena known as Transient Luminous Events flashing above thunderstorms in France, Corsica, and Spain. These occurrences include red sprites and giant red lightning resembling jellyfish, alongside giant pillars of light falling from the skies. These high-altitude electrical discharges take place above active storm systems, lasting for only a few milliseconds. While observers continue to document these fleeting displays across Europe, researchers note that such unusual atmospheric anomalies have fascinated skywatchers for decades following their initial accidental documentation.
Why it matters
Transient Luminous Events occur high above tropospheric thunderstorms, well above ordinary lightning. The first accidental recording of red flashes above a storm happened in 1989 when researchers were testing a camera in Minnesota. Documenting these phenomena requires specialized timing and clear lines of sight above severe weather.
What is confirmed
- Rare red sprites and giant red lightning have been photographed flashing above thunderstorms in France and Corsica.
- Giant pillars of light were observed falling from skies over Spain amid thunderstorms.
- Researchers testing a camera in Minnesota accidentally filmed red flashes above a storm for the first time in 1989.
What to watch next
- Additional photographic and video evidence captured by storm chasers
- Further meteorological analysis of high-altitude electrical discharges during severe weather
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (15)
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- Defector — There Is Some Mighty Weird Stuff Going On Up There
- NDTV — Watch: Rare Red Sprites Flash Above Thunderstorm In France, Photographer Captures Stunning Moment
- Futura, le média qui explore le monde — In 1989, researchers testing a camera in Minnesota accidentally filmed red flashes above a storm. Nobody had ever recorded them before
- India Today — Giant pillars of light seen falling from skies over Spain amid thunderstorms
- Судово-юридична газета — Red "Jellyfish" in the Sky: Giant Red Lightning Flared Over Corsica – Photos of a Rare Phenomenon
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