Full Breakdown
Rare Atmospheric Phenomenon Captured Over the Italian Alps
11/26/2025, 12:50:28 AM
Eerie Red Halo: The Elve Event
On November 17, 2023, photographer Valter Binotto captured a rare atmospheric phenomenon known as an "elve" over the foothills of the Italian Alps. This fleeting event, which lasts for less than a thousandth of a second, resulted in a colossal glowing red ring visible from his home in Possagno, Italy. Elves are a form of upper atmospheric lightning characterized by rapidly expanding disk-shaped flashes that can reach diameters of up to 300 miles (480 kilometers). They occur high above thunderstorms when a powerful electromagnetic pulse (EMP) ascends into the ionosphere, the region of Earth's upper atmosphere where auroras are also formed.
The Science Behind Elves
The elve observed by Binotto was generated by a powerful negative lightning strike from a storm located approximately 300 kilometers south in Vernazza. This particular lightning bolt reached an extraordinary current of -303 kilo-amperes, significantly higher than typical lightning, which usually carries between 10 to 30 kilo-amperes. The intense EMP produced by this lightning illuminated the ionosphere, creating the striking red halo that Binotto photographed. The elve hovered about 100 miles (160 kilometers) above the Earth's surface and spanned roughly 200 miles (320 kilometers) in diameter.
Binotto's Photography Journey
Initially, Binotto aimed to capture sprites, another type of upper atmospheric electrical discharge, but instead succeeded in photographing this elve. He utilized a Sony A7S camera with a 20 mm f/1.8 lens set at ISO 51,200, capturing the phenomenon as a frame from a video recorded at 25 frames per second. Binotto has previously documented similar events, including a more dramatic elve on March 23, 2023, which showcased the structure in greater detail.
Official Statements & Responses
In an email to Space.com, Binotto expressed his surprise at capturing the elve, stating, "I didn't capture any sprites, but fortunately, I managed to capture this Elve!" His enthusiasm highlights the rarity of such occurrences and the skill required to document them.
Criticism & Opposition
While the phenomenon itself is scientifically fascinating, some critics argue that the focus on capturing such rare events may detract from broader discussions on climate change and its impact on weather patterns. They suggest that more attention should be given to understanding the implications of extreme weather phenomena rather than solely documenting them.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The ELVE was generated by a powerful negative lightning strike in a storm in Vernazza about 300 km south of me,” — Valter Binotto, Photographer
- “I didn't capture any sprites, but fortunately, I managed to capture this Elve!” — Valter Binotto, Photographer
This remarkable capture by Binotto not only contributes to the understanding of atmospheric phenomena but also serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of our planet's weather systems.
