Red Sprites Dancing Over Western Australia: A Glimpse of Electrifying Sky Phenomena

Prepare to be mesmerized by a celestial spectacle captured in a truly remarkable photograph: Red sprites dancing over the tidal flats of Western Australia. This stunning image, taken by JJ Rao, has earned first place in the prestigious Capture the Dark 2025 photography contest by DarkSky International.

What are Red Sprites?

Red sprites are one of the most elusive and awe-inspiring atmospheric electrical phenomena. They occur high above thunderstorms, reaching altitudes of 50-90 kilometers (30-55 miles) above the Earth's surface. These vibrant red flashes, often appearing as wispy tendrils or ethereal columns, are incredibly short-lived. As described by the photographer, "A large sprite like this exists for 10 milliseconds, up to 40x faster than an eye blink." This fleeting nature makes them exceptionally challenging to photograph, requiring not only skill but also exceptionally dark skies.

A Rare "Jellyfish" Sprite

The central sprite in this particular image is a rare and extraordinary example known as a 'jellyfish' sprite. These are considered the largest and fastest of all sprites, adding another layer of wonder to an already spectacular event. The location for this incredible capture was Derby, Australia, known for its dark skies.

Red sprites dancing over the tidal flats of Western Australia

The Art of Capturing the Improbable

Photographing such transient events requires meticulous technical planning and execution. The image was captured using a Sony a7IV with a Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art lens, set to an aperture of f/1.4 and a shutter speed of 3.2 seconds at ISO 4000. The fact that this image is a stack further highlights the dedication and expertise involved in freezing such ephemeral moments in time.

It's a poignant reminder of the beauty that exists in our skies, often unseen due to its brief appearance. While we can't simply stare at these phenomena with our own eyes, images like JJ Rao's allow us to appreciate their fleeting majesty. You can follow more of JJ Rao's incredible work on Instagram: