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Wang Tung, a student in the Department of Space Science and Engineering at National Central University, was able to capture the exceedingly rare phenomenon known as “red sprites” three times, right from the school rooftop. Also called “space lightning,” red sprites are transient luminous events in the upper atmosphere that are almost impossible to detect with the naked eye. The conditions for viewing them are extremely complex, demanding both patience and a fair amount of luck.
Streaks of red shine across the night sky in this photo of the exceedingly rare upper-atmosphere phenomenon known as “red sprites.” They only last a few milliseconds, making it almost impossible to see with the naked eye.
This photo even shows a rare branching structure known as an “angel sprite.” Usually observed in higher-latitude areas such as Europe and Japan, it’s unusual that the phenomenon was seen from right here, on the rooftop of National Central University’s Department of Space Science and Engineering.
Wang Tung
NCU student
It’s very difficult for an average person to photograph this phenomenon. So at first, I just treated it like a stretch goal. I actually didn’t notice that on the 10th second of filming, a red sprite appeared! It was pure luck. If I had gone up to the roof just a little bit later, I wouldn’t have seen it.
Red sprites are created from radiation generated by excited nitrogen molecules, making them exceptionally rare and easily obscured by weather, cloud cover, and angle of observation. Wang was able to capture his first image in May after hearing a classmate mention that thunderstorms in China present prime conditions for red sprites to form. His patience paid off, providing the experience he needed to successfully capture two more images.
Kuo Cheng-ling
NCU professor
Usually when we observe upper-atmospheric lightning, there’s a severe weather event happening on the ground, like a thunderstorm or hail storm. Especially as we’re seeing more severe weather, red sprites will become more common around Taiwan.
Wang’s professionalism and perseverance allowed him to achieve his goal and provide invaluable observational data, even on a campus plagued by light pollution. Even without professional equipment, anyone with a little knowledge and patience can take advantage of the right conditions to photograph this natural wonder.
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