Astrophotographer Captures Rare Red Ring Phenomena

Quick Smiles:

• Valter Binotto photographs dazzling ELVES for the second time in Italy.
• He captures both ELVES and a rare sprite in one remarkable image.
• His dedication leads to extraordinary images over Monte Grappa’s foothills.

Valter Binotto, an amateur astrophotographer from Possagno, Italy, has once again captured a remarkable sight in the night sky—a radiant red ring spanning 143 miles over his hometown. These doughnut-shaped events are known as ELVES, a rare atmospheric phenomenon triggered by lightning storms far below.

Binotto has spent nearly a decade watching the skies and first photographed an ELVES event above a distant storm in 2023.

“It took almost three years before I managed to capture another one,” said Valter.

Last month, he recorded his second ELVES ring, triggered by a strong lightning strike far from his home. The phenomenon appeared above Cinque Terre, its luminous circle stretching over 124 miles in diameter.

“Another great thrill!

“Less than a week later, I captured a third. The thunderstorm was over the Adriatic Sea this time, in front of the Marche regional coast, 380 km (236 miles) from my home.

“This third event was different from the previous ones because, in addition to the ELVES, the lightning also produced a beautiful sprite.”

Sprites are sparkling, red-light displays that dance high above intense thunderstorms, and Binotto managed to photograph both celestial events together—a possible first for an amateur astronomer.

“When I saw it on the display, the emotion was overwhelming—I couldn’t believe my eyes, I was witnessing something unique, never seen before.”

His careful calculations placed one of these phenomena at 52 miles high, spread across an immense distance over the landscape.

Valter’s passion for the night sky continues to inspire wonder and celebrate nature’s brilliant surprises.

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